“They’re all killjoys!”
This was the curt reaction of Sen. Raffy Tulfo when sought for comment on the severe criticisms they got during the birthday celebration of Senator Sonny Angara.
“Those who said that are killjoys. Perhaps, they should know the reason, what’s one reason why we were there,” Tulfo said in a media briefing.
He asserted that it was charity that drove government officials to a night of partying last Saturday at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.
The event was also attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who, together with the senators, belted out the Westlife song “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’.”
The post on social media of the singing President and senators received bashings from netizens.
They were specifically assailed for being “callous” to the conditions of Filipinos who were allegedly mired into poverty due to the pandemic.
The critics claimed that while the President and the senators were partying, Filipinos are suffering from inflation and other problems.
Tulfo said they were just humans (to celebrate somebody’s birthday).
“We should also know how to relax. Second, it was for a cause,” Tulfo added.
Angara’s 50th party celebration was intended to raise funds for donation to the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation Inc. It raised P3 million.
“So, that party was of help. It was not just about dancing. It’s for a good cause…charity,” Tulfo said.
Also present during the party were Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Mark Villar, Robin Padilla, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Win Gatchalian, Bong Revilla, Loren Legarda, and Grace Poe.
Meanwhile, Angara said the donations have reached the P5 million mark as of press time.