MANILA, Philippines — Broadcast journalist Karen Davila criticized senators who appeared emotional during the arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on June 1, saying their reactions should instead focus on the plight of affected Filipinos.
Davila made the statement in a post on X on Tuesday, June 2, after Estrada was taken into custody following the issuance of a plunder arrest warrant tied to allegations of kickbacks from flood-control projects.
Estrada surrendered to authorities on Monday, June 1, after appearing at a press briefing at the Senate before being escorted by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group personnel.
Senators Camille Villar and Imee Marcos were seen becoming emotional during Estrada’s arrest proceedings.
In her post, Davila said lawmakers should direct their concern toward Filipinos affected by corruption and flooding.
She wrote that senators should “cry for the Filipinos who are being robbed” and “cry for those who suffer from flooding because of corruption in flood-control projects,” referring to alleged misuse of funds. She also said they should “cry for our fellow countrymen who are hungry.”
Davila added, “Get out of your bubble.”
Estrada and former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, along with former DPWH-NCR officials, were ordered arrested in connection with the case.
