A debate over whether P500 is enough for a traditional Noche Buena resurfaced on Sunday during the “Tanong ng Pilipino” segment of CIA with BA, following widely criticized remarks by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano acknowledged public frustration, saying many families are struggling with rising prices. “I fully understand ‘yung mga kritiko. Ang hirap na ng buhay, hindi naman [sa] lahat ng grocery, lahat ng palengke, mabibili mo ‘yan,” he said.
Cayetano noted that comments from high-ranking officials can seem out of touch. “And ‘pag ikaw ay isang Secretary, nandyan ka sa taas, sasabihin mo ‘yan?” he said, emphasizing the gap between policy discussions and everyday realities.
He also suggested the issue stemmed from how the message was delivered. Cayetano said the intention may have been to highlight togetherness rather than dismiss hardship. “I think she was trying to convey na after looking at the list, even if you have P500—[though] many people don’t have 500 — kahit papano, you can share a meal together,” he added.
Co-host Boy Abunda weighed in on broader social concerns, noting inequality and corruption. “Even the sensitivity point to me is something debatable. But the times kasi e. Paano mo ‘ko sasabihan na kasya ang limandaang piso para sa Noche Buena e nakakakita ako ng mga ninanakaw na pera sa isang mesa, nakakakita ako ng mga male-maleta [na pera],” he said.
Cayetano closed the discussion with a Christmas reflection, urging viewers to focus on repentance, recollection, and redemption. “You have to revise… you have to recollect… you have to redeem it,” he said, adding that the holiday is also about quietness and clarity amid controversy.
CIA with BA, hosted by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Pia Cayetano, and Boy Abunda, airs Sundays at 11 p.m. on GMA7.
