Sharon issues apology on call-out post to Sal Panelo

Megastar Sharon Cuneta on Thursday issued an apology after receiving criticisms over her reaction to a  candidate outside the tandem of Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan performing her hit song “Sana’y Wala ng Wakas” during political rallies.

In an emotional social media post, Cuneta — wife of Pangilinan — explained she felt “slighted” when her song was used by someone from another party because she thought her husband’s candidacy was being “underestimated”.

“Sa akin, parang minamaliit si Kiko at ang pagtakbo niya ng VP. Dahil sa dinami-dami ng kanta, bakit naman kanta ko pa ang napili? Dahil kaya Goliath ang VP candidate niya sa David kong asawa?” she said.

“Nasaktan ako. Ang pagkakamali ko lang, sana 'yun mismo ang pinost ko. Pero dinaan ko sa biro at sarcasm, kaya madaming di nakaunawa,” she added.

(“I felt like they were underestimating Kiko and his VP run because of all the songs, why use mine? Is it because their candidate is a Goliath compared to a David of my husband?… I was hurt. My only mistake is I used humor and sarcasm instead of directly saying it.”)

The singer did not mention whom she is alluding to but to recall, she previously reacted to a news report showing senatorial candidate and former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo singing her classic song during a campaign rally.

Panelo is endorsed with the senatorial slate of President Rodrigo Duterte’s PDP-Laban while Pangilinan is a stalwart of Liberal Party.

In addressing the issue, the senatorial bet clarified he was given permission by Viva Records to sing the title and said his performances were in tribute to his son with special needs and to “raise awareness” for them.

Cuneta said she did not know about his child’s situation and was elated if he was using it for the cause. She even recalled helping and supporting children with similar needs since 1993 as the chairperson of the Chosen Children Village Foundation.

The megastar admitted she felt “off” about the situation, however.

“My song is thirty-six years old. Ilang libo na ang umawit ng kanta ko sa parties, contests, shows. Never ko ipinagdamot ang awit ko kahit kanino,” she said.

“In fact, I feel honored whenever someone chooses it to sing…Pero panahon ng kampanya ngayon. Iba ang dating sa akin nung inawit ng politiko na hindi namin kapartido,” she added.

(“My song is 36 years old. It has been sung thousand times at parties, contests, shows. I never prohibited anyone from singing it. In fact, I am honored whenever someone chooses to sing… but it is campaign season. It did not sit well with me that a politician from another party sang it.”)

She apologized to those who have been hurt by her post, saying she should have expressed her feelings directly and in a “more respectful manner”.

While pained by the negative comments, Cuneta said it showed who are her real friends and who are those people who sincerely care about her.

“Alam niyo, nung araw, dinidibdib at nilulunok ko na lang kasi lahat pag ang feeling ko pagbabangga o pag”kalabit” sa akin in a bad way. Napagod ako, natutong sumagot, lumaban… But I should check myself and never act immediately when I am highly emotional,” said Cuneta.

(“You know, that day I was just swallowing everyone because I was triggered in a bad way. I got tired that’s why I learned to retort and fight. But I should check myself and never act immediately when I am highly emotional.”)

“I am posting this knowing so many have already decided they would hate me whether I did or said something, or even when I didn’t. That doesn’t matter. What does is that those of you who love me know that this is from my heart,” she said.

“Again, I am sorry. And how I wish tapos na ang buwan ng Mayo,” she added.

("How I wish May ends now.")

In a separate statement, Panelo said he does not want to assume that Cuneta's apology is for him as he was not named, but he stressed that no apology is necessary.

"I was not hurt. I just felt sad that you felt slighted or offended, and I apologize for that. I had no intention to do that at all," he said.

"Just like Senator Kiko and his party mates, apart from sharing our respective platforms of government to our audiences, we also want to entertain and show our appreciation to them with music. It just so happened that 'Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas' holds a special place in my heart, and that’s why I chose it. I have been singing it for a very long time for my special child, Carlo," he added.

He also said that because of the buzz created, "the song has taken a new meaning for many as one depicting the unconditional love of a parent for his/her child, especially those with special needs."

Panelo said he is also pleased that Cuneta has been supporting children with disabilities. He said he is hoping that through Cuneta, "Team Leni Kiko can cross party lines to join our advocacy to provide free therapy and special education for CWDs, and nursing homes or facilities for orphaned or abandoned CWDs."

"I also hope that you can personally and publicly advocate for the same. With your star power, I am certain that the movement can gain more support. CWDs have a better chance if we’re all in this together," he said.

Panelo has promised to fight for the needs of children with disabilities should he win in the senatorial race.—BAP/AOL, GMA News