As critics mock pre-debut shoot in Malacañang, photographer defends Isabelle Duterte

Photographer Lito Sy on Monday took to social media to address the persistent criticism of Isabelle Duterte's photo shoot in Malacañang.

In the same tone as Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Margaux "Mocha" Uson, Sy expressed his sympathies for the young teen who he feels is being targeted unfairly.

"Nakakaawa naman ang dalaga sa mga paninirang di totoo. Ang bait and very down to earth ang dalaga," Sy said of President Rodrigo Duterte's granddaughter.

Sy denied that he was paid P250,000 for the photo shoot, explaining, "Yung shoot po nayun is free since the mom of Isabelle is a very good friend of mine in Davao during early '90s".

The red Garimon Roferos gown was sponsored and shipped from Dubai by the designer himself, as he is also a good friend of Isabelle's mom, Lovelie Sangkola Sumera.

Stylist Jeff Galang provided the other gown — which he returned to the respective  designers, Preview Magazine said — while brands were more than happy to lend Isabelle shoes as she recently signed as an actor for Viva.

Sy further said that Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte was hardly involved in the shoot. "Di po si Paolo Duterte ang nagbayad sa suppliers kasi may kaya naman po si Mommy ni Isabelle na isang business woman," Sy said.

GMA News Online has sent a message to Sy on Facebook for further details on the shoot and how it was scheduled.

The viral photos of Isabelle's debutante shoot has inspired protest, memes, and a parody page called Malacañang Events and Catering Services. — AT/LA, GMA News