Marco Masa, Eliza Borromeo call out EliCo fanbase for 'bullying'

Marco Masa and Eliza Borromeo have issued statements to call out fanbases for recent issues involving fellow “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” housemate Miguel Vergara.

According to various posts online, fans of the Eliza and Marco (EliCo) ship have allegedly made “absurd statements” about Miguel.

Marco said on X, “As a close friend of Miguel, I don't tolerate those statements that causes backlash to a close friend of mine because I know that none of it is true.”

“I'm sorry on behalf of the circumstances. And that I don't want this to be a hindrance on something real that we've built inside the house.”

Marco said he wants to protect Eliza, their relationship, and his relationships with the housemates.

“I'll continue to remind you that I stand on what's right and what's aligned to the moral values of mine also to prioritize the well being of Eliza, such as everyone in the house because all of them are close to my heart,” he said.

As he moves forward, Marco said he will continue to be true to himself and to embody the traits of a good role model.

Eliza also wrote a statement on X addressed to “EliCo OFC,” saying that she can no longer stay silent.

“I don't want toxicity to spread where support and love should exist,” she said.

“Me and Marco's relationship is also something I want to protect. Involved din kami sa issue na ‘to because our names are being brought into it, and that's why I felt the need to speak up,” she added.

Eliza said she understands there are two ships, EliCo and LizGuel, which are both close to her heart.

“You give me joy, strength, and a reason to continue every day. But there is no need to involve or attack anyone just because of a different ship,” she said.

“You all know na involved din ang pangalan ko sa dalawa, and you also know na darating sa point na ako yung maiipit. It hurts. Knowing this is happening hurts me deeply.”

Eliza said she does not want any fan wars and hatred, but for love and peace for her fans.

“And please remember this: ships do not automatically mean romantic relationships between idols. Anything beyond that is never something to assume,” she said.

Eliza also defended Miguel, calling him a "very good person," who is pure and genuine. He is a person she wants to keep in her life, she added.

“What you guys are doing is bullying. You're throwing hate at him for reasons I honestly don't understand. He's just being himself, pero ang dami pa ring nasasabi at napupuna. Nakikita at nababasa ko ang lahat, at nasasaktan ako para sa kaniya,” she said. “You crossed the line. You threw hate, insults, and words na hindi na mababawi. I hope you take accountability for what you've done.”

She reminded the public that they are still teenagers and still growing.

“I'm sorry if this is hard to hear. Walang magbabago sa love na meron ako para sa inyo. I hope you understand that I did this with love and good intentions, and that I did this to speak up, to protect, and to stop the unnecessary negativity,” Eliza said.

In a statement on X, EliCo OFC said it does not tolerate online bullying by its members.

“The issues being raised originated from platforms and group chats that are not handled, managed, or supervised by the ELICO OFC Head Admin. Any actions, conversations, or decisions made within those spaces were independent and outside the authority of the official ELICO OFC administration,” the fanbase said.

However, it acknowledged that the members who engaged in hateful behavior were part of a group chat meant to support Eliza and Marco.

“While their actions do not reflect the values of ELICO OFC, we recognize that this occurred within a space associated with the fandom. For this, we extend our sincere apology and take responsibility for addressing this failure.” 

EliCo OFC announced it will be taking a hiatus to reflect and reassess.

“We ask for understanding during this time. Our intention has always been to support with sincerity, integrity, and respect, never to cause harm.”

Marco, Eliza, and Miguel were involved in a love triangle during their time on “PBB.”

Marco and Eliza were the second pair of housemates to get evicted from Bahay ni Kuya.

On “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Marco said that he is getting to know Eliza in the outside world.

"Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0" started airing on October 25. The second season features 20 Gen Z celebrities from Sparkle and Star Magic.

It airs weeknights at 9:40 PM, Saturdays at 6:15 PM, and Sundays at 10:05 PM on GMA Network. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News