FIL-AM Aries Dela Cruz spearheaded an online petition for Nike to drop the Philippines’ Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao as its endorser after the boxing congressman compared people in homosexual relationships to animals.
Now, this kababayan from New Jersey is getting death threats online.
The harassment and threats are reportedly not only aimed at Dela Cruz, but are also targeting many gays and lesbians. After all, their idol Manny Pacquiao has been humiliated all over the world, been labeled homophobic and a bigot, and has income opportunities following Nike’s decision to drop him as an endorser of their sports apparel.
Pacquiao supporters also burned their Nike shoes as a sign of protest and have urged kababayans to ban the brand.
An online petition, which has reportedly gained more than 18,000 signatures as for this writing, has also been created, urging the Philippine government to declare Dela Cruz ‘persona non grata’ in the country. The petition calls Dela Cruz a “selfish traitor.”
Surprisingly, even Fil-Ams who are exposed to the “political correctness” and “inclusive culture of the American people, have not lost love for Manny because of what he did.”
In an online poll, The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” asked its viewers: “Were you personally offended by Pacquiao’s comments comparing people in homosexual relationships to animals?”
A big majority of those who voted, 66 percent, said NO. Some said Pacquiao was just expressing his opinion because of his religious convictions, and he has the right to do so because of free speech.
34 percent said YES. They opined that Pacquiao’s comments were hurtful, homophobic and unworthy of someone who is known as “The People’s Champ.”
However, many LGBT advocates, respected personalities and human rights activists came to Dela Cruz’s defense. They say Dela Cruz has been offended by Pacquiao’s remarks and has all the right to start a petition in a free country like America. He, too, has his freedom of speech which does not take away nor diminish Pacquiao’s freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
They explain that they respect Pacquiao’s stand against same-sex marriage/relationship because of his religious views, but what they said was offensive was the comparison to animals, insinuating that these people were even lower than animals because animals do not engage in homosexual relationships.
Of course those knowledgeable about science, as pointed out by Broadway superstar and Filipino singer/actress Lea Salonga on social media, know that there are many kinds of animals who DO engage in homosexual acts. They urge Pacquiao to do more research before making such unfounded statements meant to discredit gays and lesbians.
They also say Nike dropped Pacquiao because Dela Cruz’s petition gained traction. Many people were offended by Pacquiao’s statements and signed the petition. They, too, are exercising their freedom of expression. Nike and other brands who have distanced themselves from Pacquiao also exercised their right to do what they believe is in the best interest of their business.
But what is really concerning are the death threats being thrown at Dela Cruz. To his credit, Pacquiao told his fans not to hate but to pray for Nike. But with the tension now elevated to death threats, shouldn’t Pacquiao categorically speak up in defense of Dela Cruz to avert any violence?
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Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
