GMA Network senior vice president Annette Gozon-Valdes has defended Shuvee Etrata, who recently trended online over resurfaced remarks about former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In the old clips from earlier this year, Shuvee, speaking in Cebuano, thanked Duterte for what she said was the positive effect of his anti-drug campaign in her hometown, while reacting to news of his “arrest” by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This drew flak from anti-Duterte netizens, who criticized the rising star for her comments deemed favorable to the former president now facing three counts of murder before the ICC over his controversial war on drugs.
Shuvee later issued a statement, stressing that she had learned from the experience and was determined to widen her perspective about such matters.
In a now-expired Instagram Story, Gozon assured the young star of her support: “We know where your heart is, @shuveeetrata, we are here for you 110%.”
She also shared a photo with Etrata during the latter’s first taping day for “Huwag Kang Titingin,” a GMA and Mentorque co-production, writing as caption: “This brave girl always shows up, rain or shine, on good days and bad.”
Gozon further clarified her stance on showbiz in a Facebook post, stressing that her support was rooted in defending the actress from what she described as “wrongful and unfair attacks.”
“Shuvee is not ‘die hard’ for any politician,” Gozon wrote. “She gave her personal observation and opinions on what she believed to be good acts and bad acts done by the government.”
Gozon appealed for respect toward differing views, noting that Etrata’s comments were based on her personal experiences in her neighborhood.
She then urged the public to focus on unity against corruption instead of tearing down individuals.
“Let’s join forces to cancel corruption, not people who work hard for their family. Peace,” she added.
