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Celebrities and Personalities React to Senate Shoot-Out

Celebrities and Personalities React to Senate Shoot-Out: ‘Nakakahiya, Nakakalungkot, Nakakadismaya’

Celebrities and Personalities React to Senate Shoot-Out: ‘Nakakahiya, Nakakalungkot, Nakakadismaya’

May 16, 2026   •   Meryl Medel

Over the past week, the Philippine Senate has undergone a series of significant leadership changes and security incidents, eliciting reactions from several celebrities and personalities.

On Monday, May 11, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was elected as the new Senate President, succeeding Senator Tito Sotto, which is concurrent with the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte in the House of Representatives. The same day marked the return of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to his official duties following a six-month absence that began in November 2025.

On Wednesday, May 13, reports circulated regarding a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for Dela Rosa’s arrest, stemming from his role in the Philippine war on drugs. Dela Rosa even went live on Facebook: “I am here calling for your help: let us not have another Filipino brought to The Hague like President Duterte.”

By Wednesday evening, the Senate building was placed under lockdown during active media coverage. Multiple gunshots were reported within the premises.

This series of events prompted reactions not only from regular netizens, but also Filipinos with big platforms and wide reach. Here are some of the celebrities and personalities who reacted strongly with the recent developments in the Senate:

 

Anne Curtis

The actress expressed dismay over the incident in the Senate: “Nakakalungkot na umabot sa sitwasyon na ganun, in fact, it’s so sad that it even happened.”

She also encouraged Filipinos to keep watch and observe what is happening and keep it in mind when elections come: “I guess all we can do as citizens and voters is watch, learn, take note and continue to pray for our country.”

 

Erwan Heussaff

In response to a question posted on Threads by Filipino-Australian photographer and content creator Zac Alviz, Erwan Heussaff shared his thoughts on political beliefs and friendships.

“Political opinions, no. But if it crosses into moral territory, yes. I.e If someone was the most charitable person you knew, but was also a known sexual abuser. If you can tolerate that and support that person, it says a lot about one’s moral character,” he said.

He expounded further: “Another red flag is if a person can only say positive things about their chosen politicians. We all know no one is perfect or even close to it, so If you can’t challenge your own beliefs, we can’t be friends. We should constantly practice discernment. Not blindly defend the people we support, but regularly question whether our choices still align with our values.”

 

View on Threads

 

 

Bianca Gonzales

The PBB host reposted several tweets about the incidents on her X (formerly Twitter) account. “God bless the Philippines.”

She also praised the journalists who risked their lives to show Filipinos what is happening in the Senate. “Legitimate news outlets will always matter. News gathering and reporting is critical for citizens to stay informed and to know the truth. Maraming salamat sa inyong serbisyo.”

 

Kim Chiu

The actress Kim Chiu opined that the incident wouldn’t have happened if a certain individual had surrendered to the authorities: “Grabe! Anong nangyayari sa Pilipinas? Bilang normal na Pilipino at nagbabayad ng tamang buwis, sa aking opinyon, walang mangyayaring ganito kung kusang susuko ang taong nagsasabing wala siyang kasalanan.”

“Nakakalungkot. That’s what happens when concern and opinion don’t align with them—gusto agad patahimikin. Nasanay na ako. Oo, Bisaya ko, pero Pilipino rin akong may karapatang magsalita at magpahayag ng saloobin. Masakit magbayad ng buwis tapos ganito ang nakikita natin. Hindi po tayo ang magkakalaban. Pare-pareho lang tayong mamamayan,” she added.

 

Janine Gutierrez

The Kapamilya star thanked the journalists who were reporting live that night in the Senate: “Still thinking of Victoria Tulad and Zyann Ambrosio and all the journalists that were literally in the line of fire to bring the news to the people. Salamat sa dedikasyon at tapang. Hoping the violence ends there.”

She also expressed disappointment over the Senate incident: “Now he’s saying he’s a Filipino and he needs our support. What about all the Filipinos and families that were victims of your EJK? They deserve justice. The Filipino people deserve better.”

 

Donny Pangilinan

In an Instagram story, the actor lamented how things at the Senate escalated so quickly. “Ang lala. Umabot na tayo dito!”

 

Benedix Ramos

After he received a message from a fan telling him to stop posting political content, the theater and film actor said he believes that now is the time to take a stand.

“Tsaka na ako mananahimik kapag ang katotohanan ay hindi na nilulunod ng ingay at propaganda. Tsaka na ako mananahimik kapag malinaw kong nakikitang napupunta sa tama ang bawat buwis na pinaghihirapan kong bayaran,” he wrote. “Tsaka na ako mananahimik kapag may pananagutan na ang mga dapat managot. Tsaka na ako mananahimik kapag ang bayan ay hindi na pinapasan ng ordinaryong mamamayan lang.”

“May panahon para magtrabaho, may panahon para manindigan. pero hindi ito ang panahon para manahimik lang,” the actor added. “Higit sa lahat, trabaho ng artista ang umarte, hindi ng gobyerno. Itigil niyo na yan, galit na si direk. GISING, PILIPINAS! TULOY ANG LABAN!”

 

AC Bonifacio

Responding to a netizen demanding that she speak up, the singer-dancer said that Filipino citizens are on the same side in this fiasco, and she is just as angry and disappointed as everyone else.

“I’ve been listening, reading, and trying to understand the situation better before adding my voice. We are on the same side here, we are fighting for the same thing. Hindi ako ang kaaway mo. I am just as angry and disappointed as you so let’s both direct that to the people in power who continue to fail Filipinos. WE deserve accountability, transparency, and leaders who actually put the people first.”

 

BINI Jhoanna Robles

The BINI member kept her statement simple: “Nakakahiya, nakakalungkot, nakakadismaya.”

 

Arshie Larga

The pharmacist and content creator pointed to the youth as keen observers, many of which now have the power to vote in upcoming elections.

“Nanunuod at nakikinig ang mga kabataan,” he wrote. “Darating ang 2028, and many people will use their voices and votes to demand better leadership and accountability for the country.”

 

Joy Barcoma

The beauty queen and TV host used the dark humor to react to the happenings in national politics: “Welcome to the Philippine circus.”

She also reshared an old clip of herself speaking about political dynasties in front of students: “Remember that our government is for the Filipinos and not for one family with the same surname.”

What are your thoughts on the recent developments in the Senate?

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Header photos from Kim Chiu/Facebook, FEATR’s website, Anne Curtis/Facebook


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Meryl finds joy in music, movies, museums, and making her way around the world.

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