With all due respect, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, do you need a friend? It seems like you do as you have resorted to the millennial way of making connections: watching Instagram Live Stories and leaving comments.
No age-shaming here, Senator. You are free to do as the kids do. It’s cool you’re on social media and one would argue it is necessary whether in the boxing ring or on the senate floor. But when a married man of your stature leaves comments on a 22-year old girl’s Instagram account, it makes one queasy. I don’t know how to explain it but it just is. I mean, we also don’t know how to explain why you’re a politician, but one issue at a time.
There are just certain things that come off differently given the context. A “How are you?” is often friendly but when it’s from a man with kids who is known across the country, it’s not right. When there’s also an invite like “You can call me anytime,” it’s right smack in the middle of Creepsville. Sure, there are a lot of residents in the area who leave the eyes and water emojis on thirst traps. But when these residents hold public positions, it’s a cause for concern.
You claimed that these things have no malice in them. Let’s say we take your word for it. What is then your intention with these comments? This is why I have asked if you need a friend. Have the past few weeks such as the ridiculous attempt to defund the CHR, the Senate probe into the killings of teenagers, the move of Trillanes to sue Mocha Uson for spreading fake news while Duterte creates fake bank account numbers a bit too much pressure? It’s perhaps the type of pressure you can’t cure with a vacation to Las Vegas. Try to go on a shopping spree with Jinkee, perhaps it will help.
You can also resort to taking a social media break or spending time alone. Have a laugh and watch Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga play a guessing game with us. You’ve had it rough, we get it. Senate hearings can be a rush of blood to the head. We’ve had our fair share of headaches too, that we’ve wanted to sputter expletives the way our president does. We get it, Manny. We get it.
But please for the love of everything you’ve held dear, log out of social media. Stop watching Instagram Stories. Go out there and see the world again. Don’t sink down to Anthony Weiner status.
Art by Lara Intong
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