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Pialago entitled to express her opinion — Palace
Malacañang on Monday defended Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spokesperson Celine Pialago’s right to express her opinion about issues after she drew criticism for her comments regarding the circumstances of detained activist Reina Mae Nasino.
“Hindi naman po kasi related sa MMDA iyang issue na iyan. So hayaan po natin na magkaroon ng personal na opinyon si spokesperson Pialago,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque told a news conference.
Pialago came under fire over the weekend over a Facebook post
where she told the public to know Reina Mae’s story first before sympathizing with her. She also likened the outpouring of sympathy to Reina and her dead daughter to a “drama serye.”The MMDA official later apologized to grieving mothers, including Nasino, but she clarified that her “drama serye” statement was directed at people who allegedly took advantage of Nasino’s situation.
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An urban poor organizer who faces charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, Reina Mae was given only six hours to attend the wake and burial of River, her three-month-old firstborn who died of pneumonia last October 9.
Her supporters also criticized the security arrangement at the wake and funeral of Nasino’s daughter but the Department of the Interior and Local Government said it was "not overkill."
Baby River was laid to rest last Friday. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News