Team DailyPedia
Outspoken tour guide and social activist Carlos Celdran has figured in another controversy.
Celdran has been one of the most outspoken supporters of 2016 Presidential-aspirant Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and his Vice-Presidential running mate Leni Robredo. Last April 26, he drew flak after posting on his official social media account about how he was outraged by a medical professional wearing a Rodrigo Duterte baller band while attending to someone close to him at the Makati Medical Hospital.
Here is what Celdran posted (WARNING: Contains strong language):
“Makati Medical. A nurse knew who I was and STILL wore a Duterte bracelet to the booth where my friend was dying of cancer. I had to ask her to take it off. Fucking hell.”
After apparently receiving criticisms to his ealier post, Celdran made follow-up post on April 26 to justify his words, underscoring his personal connection to Makati Med:
“Dear People of Makati Medical Center all wearing the Duterte Baller Bands:
This is the place where my father worked for decades. This place was home since I was born. Until now.
I humbly and kindly ask that you rethink your position of voting for the strong man with light jokes. You don’t have to vote for my guy. Not at all. But I ask this for the following reasons:Please. The strong man’s values are not the values that doctors and nurses are about. Your profession is about kindness, professionalism, and healing. Not about bullying, making light of serious issues like women’s rights, rape, and national security.
Your profession is about life. Not taking it away. And when I see that baller while dealing with hate in this highly stressful, highly divisive, and violent election season. Suddenly, I feel that I am being cared for by someone that doesn’t share the same values as my father and myself.
But I’ll cut a deal. I promise not to wear my baller there today. Promise not to wear yours. Please. It’s divisive, it’s unsanitary, and most especially, it stops others from feeling like Makati Medical is a home for everyone, not just your political choice.
Oh and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the help last night as well. I couldn’t have gotten through everything without you guys. I know your heart is in the right place.
Proud of Makati Medical Center family, no matter what.
Carlos.”
On the evening of the same day, after some more exchanges with critics, Celdran made another status update but this time to apologize:
“In the end, my mistake was I thought grief was a good reason for me to coerce others to change their political choices. But it’s true. Emotions should never be the reason why you cast your vote. It should be reason and platforms. Thank you for the heads up. I hope emotions will never become the reason why Filipinos vote. #sorry”
The passionate “Mar-Leni” supporter may have moved on from the issue, but critics—particularly passionate supporters of Duterte—aren’t letting him off the hook just yet.
