Since the 2022 National Election is fast approaching, various media personalities and celebrities have taken the stage to give insight to the public on which among the Presidentiables are worthy of the position.
Ferdinand “BongBong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., or popularly known as BBM, is one of the presidential aspirants who drew a lot of attention with the most controversial interview online. People were divided, taking sides, and firmly proving that the Marcoses caused a lot of damage to the lives of many Filipinos.
Former senator Marcos is the second child and only son of late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos. With the family background and surname alone, Bongbong Marcos will certainly receive different perceptions among the public and not just him, but also the people who will take the courage to get to know more about his ideals and principles.
Here are some of the personalities who braved questioning and revealing BBM’s back story:
Toni Gonzaga, Toni Talks
Toni Gonzaga is the most controversial personality who has interviewed Marcos since the netizens disapproved and lamented that she gave a platform to the wrong person.
The Toni Talks episode was uploaded to the actress’ YouTube channel on Bongbong’s birthday, Monday, September 13, which encapsulates his childhood in Malacañang, their life amid the 1986 People Power Revolution, and lessons that his father has instilled in him.
Unfortunately, this interview has garnered raged reactions not just in the public but also to some professionals who condemn the information that BongBong has transpired.
Gonzaga’s interview was also denounced by the Martial Law Museum for “whitewashing” the atrocities that occurred during this period. Despite the criticisms that Gonzaga has received, she remained firm with her stand, saying that she can interview people who have amazing life stories in her channel.
Pinky Webb, The Source
Pinky Webb is one of the notable journalists from CNN Philippines who have championed the voice of the public through her fearless reporting.
Last October 7, 2021, Webb has interviewed Marcos and taken the chance to question the Presidential aspirant about the controversial emergency text blast amid his candidacy announcement in which Marcos said that such action was an attempt to sabotage his presidential bid.
Moreover, Marcos revealed that President Rodrigo Duterte was his first choice for vice president; however, the incumbent President declined. Webb encapsulates her interview about Marcos’ plan to become a unifying leader despite the controversies and criticisms he received.
Meanwhile, Filipino television host Boy Abunda, even though he did not have the chance to interview Marcos, instead gave his two cents about Toni Gonzaga’s interview with Marcos. In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Abunda shared his academic perspective in dissecting the interview, “To a certain point, it may have been a PR interview. I am not sure; it is a guess. This is an interpretation.”
Abunda, who is also a Communication Arts educator, enumerated the types of interviews, ranging from contrarian, investigative, educational, to promotional, among others which he pointed out the Gonzaga’s interview is most likely a familial interview.
Marcos is one of the Presidential candidates who have been receiving love and hate comments online. Netizens have been battling whether he is worthy of the position or not.
Marcos announced his Presidential bid last October 5, 2021 which stirred memories from his late father’s dictatorship.
See each of the interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTar4TrvIBvrlMdPUgbFfg
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE2606prvXQc_noEqKxVJXA
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj6spMO3ybZPobE0T5perHA
Photo Credit: Pinky Webb: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSG7VD8pIw6/?utm_medium=copy_link, Toni Gonzaga: https://www.instagram.com/p/CPaKBzpBdcZ/?utm_medium=copy_link, Boy Abunda: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=191268834641978&set=a.201947667966653
