No politics for Angel

Actress Angel Locsin is aware that her detractors question her relief efforts amid the present health crisis that the country is experiencing. But she decided not to entertain the bashing and accusation thrown at her. 

Though some quarters say that her actions are politically motivated, Angel just brushes them off.

“For the record, I don’t have any political ambition. I don’t have plans to run in the 2022 elections. I’m just a normal employee. I think it’s not healthy to assume that,” she said.

These negative comments didn’t dampen the actress’ desire to help the needy in these crucial times.

“If it’s not going to help, better ignore it. If it’s not constructive criticism, just don’t mind it. If I’ll get affected, many will not benefit. I’m not saying that what I distribute are grandiose items. Even if it’s just for one person or family, what matters is you made a difference in their lives,” she pointed out.

Since the pandemic started, Angel’s fundraisers have already accumulated a huge amount and proceeds have allocated for the purchase of COVID-19 testing kits. She also donated hospital tents and even had her Dodge Durango Limited Edition SUV auctioned off to raise more funds.

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In a recent celebrity online forum, Dingdong Dantes expressed his concern for local entertainment industry workers who were displaced because of the global health crisis.

“It’s a fact that ours is one of the worst-hit industries due to the health crisis. The shutdown of the production of films and TV programs was abrupt since the implementation of the quarantine. That’s why it’s a huge problem now where these people would get their income in order to survive. It is the nature of our job to have interaction with people.

“But based on the post-ECQ protocol, there will only be a limited number of workers on the set of a TV show or movie. Normally, we have around 150 to 200 people on the set. Under the new guidelines from the DOH, the number will be limited to 50 to a maximum of 70. So, you can just imagine how many people will lose their jobs,” he said.

It would really be tough and testy for many of his co-workers in the ‘biz.

“Actually, the greatest challenge now is how to find alternative jobs for them. It’s not only the staff or the crew, even the actors. The danger is the same and equal to everybody.”

For Dong, it’s timely to think of alternative platforms to accommodate these displaced workers.