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Asia's Multimedia star Alden Richards believes that public figures, including celebrities, are essential when it comes to the responsible distribution of information, especially today when the world is restricted by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

In an exclusive interview with GMANetwork.com, the actor shared how the celebrity's big following could affect the views and behaviors of their supporters.

“Siyempre, celebrities tayo, mayroon tayong following, mayroon tayong mga supporters. Ang nakakatuwa kasi kapag may mga supporters ang isang celebrity like me, 'yung mga supporters ko kapag I shared a good campaign with good intentions, naka-follow sila, e.

“Kumbaga network 'yan, e. Parang it starts from you, goes down to your followers, the loved ones of your followers, etc. etc,” he said.

Alden Richards / Source: aldenrichards02 (IG)

And given their popularity, Alden noted that celebrities should use their influence for the responsible distribution of right information to the public.

“'Yung influence talaga napakaimportante ngayon. Especially nga now na madali ang access sa social media. Lahat may smart phone na, lahat nagkakaroon na ng access sa internet.

“Us being public figures or celebrities, we have the obligation to be responsible for the distribution of true information to the public. 'Yun 'yung nagagawa namin as public figures,” he added.The award-winning actor and Centerstage host also condemned celebrity-shaming every time personalities voice out their views over national or global issues.

“Kasi tingin ng iba, I'm not generalizing everyone, but siguro may iba na kapag nagpa-participate ang isang celebrity sa isang campaign against a global issue like now it's COVID-19, parang hindi kasi essential and I totally disagree to that.

“Every public personality is essential for the distribution of truthful information to the public and the public deserves true information.

“Parang du'n sila nagre-rely, e. Du'n nagre-rely ang public sa mga information na nakukuha nila. Kung paano sila mabubuhay everyday. They don't deserve fake news.

“Kami ang pwede naming maibigay is true information and presence and influence namin to raise awareness about certain issues na nangyayari sa paligid natin,” he stressed.

Alden serves as one of Department of Health's (DOH) campaign ambassador through its anti-COVID-19 initiative dubbed as “BIDA Solusyon.”