Choreographer and internet sensation DJ Loonyo released a statement of apology, explaining his side on the issue of mass testing for COVID-19 in the Philippines.
The controversy started after DJ Loonyo recently went on a livestream where he was being interviewed online about his view on mass testing for COVID-19.
The TikTok personality apparently thought that mass testing for COVID-19 might involve taking medication or vaccine on a "trial and error" phase.
When asked about what he knows about mass testing, DJ Loonyo answered, "I just don't know, it's ike gagana ba 'tong bagay na 'to... kung anuman 'yung bagay na ipapainom nila, kung anuman 'yung bagay na ipapagawa nila, it's a trial and error that's why it's mass testing,"
He added: "Kaya kawawa 'yun mag-i-intake nun, kawawa 'yung mag-u-undergo nun 'coz it's not hundred percent proven."
The interviewer asked, "So hindi mo dapat i-take 'yun?"
DJ Loonyo answered, "It shouldn't be mandatory, it should be encouraged."
"Depende na sa'yo kung gusto mong i-test 'yung sarili mo.
"But for me, why will you test me? I will react kung ano 'yung ipapainom nila sa'kin."
Netizens who support mass testing for COVID-19 took over the internet, reacting to DJ Loonyo's statements.
DJ Loonyo then issued an official public apology and clarified his misunderstanding of the terms used in the question.
He mentioned in his apology, "First off, I apologize for the wrong use of terminology in that particular instance.
"My point is not particulary about the “Covid Mass Testing”; I was actually referring to "CLINICAL TRIALS".
"I understand that the use of terminology is critical, so I apologize for any confusion caused."
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He continued, "However, I encourage you all [bashers man o sumusuporta at higit sa lahat, yung bukas sa critical thinking sana] na panoorin ng buo ang aming FB Live video--not for the views, but so that you can see both sides of the story.
DJ Loonyo defended himself, saying the topic of the video was mostly about "business over integrity" and how hard it is to trust anyone now that there's a pandemic.
"Ang napagusapan kasi is really about 'business over integrity', na these days, mahirap magtiwala sa mga nangyayari sa ating paligid nang basta-basta, para lang sumunod.
He also clarified that he has been doing his research and keeping himself updated with the news.
"Sa mga nagsabi po na mag-aral kami o mag-research, rest assured we have been doing that, kaya nga nandun kami sa punto na bukas ang isipan namin and we want to also be vigilant and see different sides of the picture para makabuo kami ng informed decision.
"Yes, we are definitely not experts, and we mentioned a lot of disclaimers during the live video, but we were exercising our right to ask questions, and share thoughts with those who agree or disagree.
He also thanked poeple for calling him out on his wrong terminology and encouraged people to have decent conversations despite misunderstanding.
"Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagpuna. Sana po ay mabuksan lang din ang inyong isipan. Maaaring we will remain in disagreement on certain points, but that doesn't mean we cannot have a decent conversation.
"Thank you, stay safe, and God bless. 🙏
"Still love y'all💙"
DJ Loonyo became an internet sensation after his TikTok dance challenges supporting coronavirus frontliners trended online.
Meet DJ Loonyo, the newest internet sensation
He was a choreographer and disc jockey in the Philippines before moving to Hangzhou, China in 2019 to manage a dance studio.
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