“I’m not in the rally because a lot of people said na huhubaran n’yo ako kung pupunta ako sa rally.”
Actress and style maven Heart Evangelista explained her decision not to attend the massive anti-corruption demonstrations on September 21 was due to threatening messages she received online.
Heart’s absence from the rallies, dubbed the “Trillion Peso March” and “Baha sa Luneta,” which drew massive crowds at Luneta Park in Manila and the People Power Monument along EDSA, did not go unnoticed given her stature as a global fashion icon and wife of former Senate President Chiz Escudero.
Several well-known personalities, including Vice Ganda, Jessica Soho, Maris Racal, Anne Curtis, Catriona Gray, Jodi Sta. Maria and Elijah Canlas, were among those who joined the public call for accountability over corruption issues in government.
In an Instagram Live on Tuesday, Sept. 23, Evangelista said she had planned to take part but chose not to for her own safety.
“Why wasn’t I in the rally? You think I didn’t want to be in the rally? You think I don’t have a voice? You think I’m not frustrated? You think hindi ako napipikon? Pikon naman din ako ah… bakit, hindi ako Pinoy?” she said.
The Kapuso star shared that some online users threatened to humiliate her by stripping her down if she attended the protest.
“I’m not in the rally because a lot of people said na huhubaran n’yo ako kung pupunta ako sa rally. How cruel can you be? What did I do? I have been nothing but a hardworking citizen. I have complied,” she said, visibly upset.
Evangelista stressed that her absence should not be mistaken for indifference, saying she feels just as strongly about the issue as other Filipinos.
“For those questioning me, you think I don’t have a burning flame in my heart? That I don’t feel a lump in my throat? That I have nothing to say? I have so many things to say because it is unfair,” she explained.
Despite the threats directed at her, Heart expressed solidarity with the protesters, urging them to keep speaking up for their rights while praying that government leaders be guided to make the right decisions.
“I hope everybody’s okay, and with what happened yesterday, I do hope something good comes out of it. I am praying for us all—sana gabayan ni Lord ‘yung mga nakaupo para gawin nila kung ano ‘yung tama… Do not stay silent, speak up,” she said.
