'Her channel, her rules': Bongbong Marcos defends Toni Gonzaga against people canceling her
Former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. came to Toni Gonzaga's aid after the TV host and actress fell into hot water after their controversial interview.
Gonzaga drew ire from netizens for asking only softball questions about the Marcos dictatorship. The Martial Law Museum also expressed disappointment at how the interview contributed to the Marcoses' "attempt to whitewash their human rights and violations and its proven historical records."
While the actress-turned-vlogger has remained silent on the issue, BBM broke his on Erwin Tulfo's radio show.
BBM said he was surprised at the backlash the Toni Talks video received.
"I was surprised why they attacked Toni who was just doing her job. She is a vlogger, she interviews many people. If you look at those she interviewed, they represent a whole range of backgrounds. But it was only in my case that there was such a reaction,” Marcos said.
Failed to 'cancel'
The former senator iterated at how attempts at "canceling" Gonzaga backfired as the video has over 200,000 likes. He also mentioned the Toni Gonzaga Studio gained 100,000 subscribers because of the video.
Even though Filipinos questioned Gonzaga's interviewing skills, Marcos praised her, saying the TV host could rival journalists.
"There are really groups who react badly no matter what any Marcos would say. For some, it’s their job, but why pick on Toni Gonzaga? She’s a Vlogger, she’s not a journalist. Although, I have to say, she does a better job than some of the journalists," he claimed.
Marcos echoed the same message Gonzaga's supporters have throughout the issue, saying it's not right to dictate who she features on her channel.
"Are they responsible? Are they looking for the truth as much as Toni Gonzaga was? I don't know. You cannot dictate to her what content to put in her channel—that is her channel, her rules," he said.
The former senator later lashed out at critics who accuse him of historical revisionism when it comes to his dictator father.
"If you don’t like what I’m saying, then don’t watch me. Hindi ako nagsisinungaling eh," he claimed.
"Kung 'yan ang experience ko, 'yan ang naging experience ko. 'Wag silang magsasabi sakin ng naging experience ko sa tatay ko. That is my experience with my father—nobody can tell me that it wasn't. People who were close to him will attest to his character. The peddling of hate, what do we get from that?”
On running for national elections
Tulfo asked BBM if he was ready to face backlash if he declares that he's going to run for national office, the young Marcos said he's ready.
"We've been listening to this for 35 plus years. The same thing (criticisms) will come out again and we will answer them again. Talagang aasahan namin na may babatikos at na mapupunta sa personal na usapan," he said.
