Piolo Pascual: Silence is a privilege, now is the time to stand up and speak out

When faced with issues or rumors, actor Piolo Pascual admitted he prefers to usually remain silent instead of addressing them directly.

“Bilang artista, sanay na akong pukpukin ng kung anu-anong issue. May mga pagkakataon na kailangang iaddress ang isang bagay pero mas madalas, pinipili kong tumahimik,” Piolo said in a video reiterating his support for Vice President Leni Robredo as the country’s next president.

Piolo also treated political issues the same way, opting to just silently observe instead of airing his sentiment, afraid that he might get criticized for giving his unsolicited opinion.

“Naisip ko, masyado nang magulo ang mundo para makidagdag pa sa samu’t saring ingay. At hindi ko rin alam kung nararapat ba akong pakinggan. Hindi naman ako eksperto sa pulitika,” he explained.

But with the country’s future at stake on May 9, Piolo said he cannot afford to stay silent, stressing that silence is privilege that no one should enjoy at this time.

“Ang pananahimik sa ganitong panahon ay pagkampi sa mga pwersang nagpapahirap sa maraming Pilipino. Sa mga nakaraang araw, palakas nang palakas ang sigaw. Hindi na ito kayang isawalang-bahala ng bawat Pilipinong nagmamahal sa bayan,” he added.

“Bulong na ngayo’y isang malakas na ring sigaw, si Leni Robredo ang pangulo ko. Abogada, ekonomista, tapat, at walang bahid ng corruption,” he said.

To ensure that his decision to back VP Leni is the right move, the actor conducted a thorough research, started to listen to other people and opened his mind before finally airing his support for the Vice President.

Like many other volunteers, Piolo said he answered VP Leni’s call to stand up and fight for the country and the welfare of the Filipino people, especially those who are in need.

“Pagkain sa mesa. Edukasyon. Maayos na kalusugan. Hindi ba’t ito naman ang araw-araw nating pinagsisikapan para sa ating pamilya? Hinihiling ng panahon na lawakan natin ang ganitong pagsisikap, hindi lang para sa mga mahal natin sa buhay, kundi para sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan,” he pointed out.

Piolo underscored the importance of having a government that would help the people achieve their dreams and provide them with a better life through laws, programs and platforms.

“Tapat na pamamahalang magbibigay sa atin ng kasiguraduhan, tutulong sa atin sa panahon ng kalamidad o matinding pangangailangan,” he said.