A viral video featuring a teacher contestant on “It’s Showtime” has sparked negative reactions online after he mistakenly answered a trivia question about the first Filipina president.
During It’s Showtime’s September 19 episode, the contestant, identified as Tony Dizon, answered Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to a question about the Philippines’ first female president, who is actually the second Filipina to hold the presidency.
The correct answer was Corazon “Cory” Aquino who served as the 11th president of the country from 1986 to 1992.
The controversy intensified as many netizens pointed out that Tony had previously shared his academic achievements, including attending a research presentation in South Korea, where he claimed to be the only Filipino delegate invited.
He also shared that he recently completed his master’s degree and is currently pursuing a doctorate while teaching for eight years, specializing in Literature and English.
In light of intense criticism, Tony addressed the situation in a video statement uploaded on his Facebook page last Saturday, acknowledging the backlash and admitting he was also surprised by his answer.
“Nakakalungkot lang kasi we are still in the era of making mistakes, like a one mistake about it, and it will sum up who you are,” he asserted, responding to those who mocked him for his error despite his credentials.
He explained that the pressure of responding correctly within a five-second timeframe on national television contributed to his error.
“A lot of people know that once nandoon ka sa gitna, mape-pressure ka talaga, and you just have to answer five seconds,” Dizon said.
He expressed his hope that critics could empathize with his situation, reminding them that everyone faces pressure and can commit mistakes, even when the questions seem basic.
“Sana naisip ninyo na what if you are in that position, na yah, that’s a very basic question but dumadaloy sa’yo ‘yung pressure, so hindi ka makakasagot talaga,” he said.
Tony added, “It’s really saddening for people na yung mistake na yun, it will really really be taken against you.”
He went on to defend himself from bashing, and questioned “negative” people about calling his achievements a show of arrogance.
“Why do people consider it as ‘yabang’, when in fact, it is something that [you] should be proud of. But not something that will be taken against me,” stressed Tony, “Yes, I made that mistake, and I’m sorry about it.”
“That’s life eh. Life is not perfect, so is my answer. But that mistake will not sum up who I am.”
Tony remains determined to grow and improve, saying: “Learning is a never-ending cycle. […] I will continue to be a better person. I will continue to be a better version of myself. I will continue learning. I will continue working and researching.”
“Yes, again, I made a mistake but it doesn’t mean I will just be there,” he ended his statement.
