Being declared persona non grata means unwelcome to a certain place where the declaration stemmed from. Over time, several public figures have been declared persona non grata in various Philippine locales, sparking controversies that underscore the delicate balance between freedom of expression and community standards.
These declarations, often stemming from perceived disrespect or insensitivity, have not only polarized opinions but also raised fundamental questions about the boundaries of public behavior and accountability.
Here are 6 Filipino personalities who were declared persona non grata in different provinces.
1. Rendon and Rosmar in Palawan
Rendon Labador and Rosmar Tan were declared persona non grata in Palawan after an incident involving Jho Cayabyab Trinidad, an employee of the Office of the Vice Mayor. Labador “disrespectfully confronted” Trinidad in front of the public. Tan’s statement “never again Coron, Palawan” on her Facebook page aggravated the situation by contributing to negative publicity and tarnishing the image of the municipality.
The controversy began when the internet celebrities stormed the office of Coron Mayor Marjo Reyes to express their displeasure over a negative comment from Trinidad. Trinidad accused Tan and Labador of exploiting the people of Coron for their vlog and social media gains, stating they used the locals for their videos, left people waiting for an hour, and did not provide any tangible assistance.
Following the incident, Trinidad issued a public apology to Tan and Labador, expressing regret for her social media post.
2. Xian Lim in Albay
Actor Xian Lim faced backlash from Albay locals after a post of then-Governor Joey Salceda narrating the incident was posted on Facebook. They are calling for Xian Lim to be declared persona non grata in Albay after he refused to wear a T-shirt with the print “Warm Albay” and declined a coffee table book during an event. Lim’s refusal to accept these items was perceived as a slight against the province and its efforts to promote tourism.
Salceda got angry when Lim said to him, “I am not here to promote Albay.” Lim later explained that his clothing endorsement contract prevented him from wearing the shirt. However, Radyo ng Bayan—Albay said that this should not have been the problem considering that the invitation was from a local government and not a private institution.
Additionally, Salceda said that “No forgiveness deserved” for Lim. Two days later, Salceda accepted Lim’s apology.
3. Ramon Bautista in Davao City
Comedian Ramon Bautista faced backlash in Davao City after calling women in Davao “hipon” during a public event. “Hipon” is a Filipino slang term that translates to “shrimp,” used to describe someone who is perceived as attractive only from the neck down, implying an unattractive face.
Bautista’s remark was seen as highly offensive and disrespectful to women, leading to public outrage. The term’s derogatory nature sparked a debate on gender sensitivity and respect.
4. Candy Pangilinan in Baguio City
Actress Candy Pangilinan was declared persona non grata in Baguio City after making offensive remarks about the Igorot community during a performance. Pangilinan referred to the Igorots as “unggoy” (monkeys) and made a statement, “Hindi po ako Igorot, tao po ako” (I am not an Igorot, I am a human). These comments were seen as deeply disrespectful and racist towards the indigenous people of the Cordillera region.
Pangilinan issued a public apology, stating that her comments were made in jest and were not intended to offend. However, the damage was already done, and the city declared her persona non grata to send a message against such insensitive behavior.
5. AiAi delas Alas in Quezon City
Comedian AiAi Delas Alas was declared persona non grata in Quezon City for impersonating the city’s mayor, Joy Belmonte, in a video that went viral. The impersonation was part of a political satire, but it was deemed disrespectful and inappropriate by the local government. Delas Alas’s portrayal of Mayor Belmonte was seen as mocking and offensive, leading to a strong reaction from city officials.
Mayor Belmonte herself expressed disappointment over the video, stating that it was in poor taste. Delas Alas issued an apology, explaining that the impersonation was meant to be humorous and not to offend. Despite the apology, the city council decided to declare her persona non grata to uphold respect for public officials.
6. Luka Pura Vega in 17 LGUs
Pura Luka Vega, a drag artist, was declared persona non grata in multiple local government units after performing a remix of “Ama Namin” (Our Father) while dressed as Jesus in drag. The performance, which included provocative elements, was seen as highly offensive to religious sentiments.
The backlash from this performance was swift, with religious groups and local officials condemning the act. The controversy highlighted the tension between artistic expression and respect for religious beliefs.
Pura Luka Vega defended the performance as a form of artistic expression and social commentary. Despite the defense, the declarations of persona non grata were issued to emphasize the respect for religious practices and sensitivities. This incident sparked a nationwide debate on the limits of artistic freedom and respect for cultural and religious norms.
While freedom of expression is cherished, it must navigate the boundaries of respect for local customs, traditions, and sentiments. These incidents serve as reminders of the responsibilities that come with public visibility and the importance of mutual respect in fostering harmonious community relations. As discussions continue, these controversies prompt reflection on how best to uphold both individual rights and collective dignity in an increasingly interconnected world.
