City hall denies actress has been declared persona non grata
MANILA — Alex Gonzaga is set to meet the reelected mayor of Parañaque, Edwin Olivarez, after an onstage remark of the actress during a campaign sortie earned the ire of supporters of the city leader.
Actress Alex Gonzaga. Instagram: @cathygonzaga
The social media star’s sister, Toni Gonzaga, confirmed the meeting with ABS-CBN News’ MJ Felipe on Thursday, on the sidelines of a press conference for the sitcom “Home Sweetie Home” which co-stars the siblings.
During the weekend leading up to the May 13 elections, a viral but since-deleted video showed Alex referring to the incumbent Parañaque mayor as “may pagkamadugas,” during what appears to be a campaign sortie of a party list she endorses.
The controversial remark appears to have reached the camp of Olivarez, as Toni confirmed her younger sister is “dealing with the matter privately with the city already, and they’re going to have a formal talk, a formal meeting.”
Alex’s controversial remark has since sparked speculation that Parañaque will declare her “persona non grata,” or unwelcome to enter the city, with some claiming that the decision has already been formalized.
Edwin Olivarez (second from left) is proclaimed Parañaque City mayor for a third and final term. Facebook: @mayoredwinolivarezofficial
But the city hall denied this to be the case. In a phone interview with ABS-CBN News, Parañaque city administrator Ding Soriano said there is no such resolution.
He confirmed that Olivarez is aware of Alex’s comment, but is not taking it personally “because it’s part of politicking.”
Soriano also denied Alex’s claim, saying, “Let the people decide whether may basehan ang sinasabi niya.”
The city official also urged Alex to be more “circumspect and morally obligated” when it comes to her public statements, pointing out her wide reach.
Alex, known for her candid humor as seen in her widely followed vlog, has “lessons learned” from the experience, according to Toni.
“She will move on from this. ‘Yung babaunin niya dito ‘yung lesson na natutunan niya… Si Alex, she’s taking everything one day at a time, and she’s maturing from every challenge na pinagdadaanan niya,” she said.
“Iyon siguro ang maganda rito: she knows when she falls down, and when she commits a mistake, she owns up to it, and she moves on and she learns,” Toni added.