Photos from @Liza Marcos instagram account
The singer’s lighthearted onstage remark about the President’s 2022 running mate draws a measured response from Malacañang, which describes it as a personal view expressed during a social event.
MANILA — Singer and actor Sharon Cuneta drew a mix of laughter and online commentary after making a lighthearted remark about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2022 vice-presidential running mate during a gala event in Intramuros.
The exchange occurred at “An Evening with the Stars: A Gala Celebrating the Stars Who Continue to Light Our Way,” held at the Foro de Intramuros. Cuneta, addressing Marcos from the stage, said in Filipino that she had “only one vice president” that evening, referring to her husband as her date, before adding, “Mali your choice, ’no?” She then immediately moved on with the program.
Video clips of the moment circulated on social media.
Cuneta later expressed support for the President during the same appearance and proceeded with her musical performance, which included “Bituing Walang Ningning.” There were no indications of disruption during the event, and Marcos was seen smiling during the exchange.
Palace response
In a subsequent media briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President did not issue any direct response to the remark during the gala. Castro characterized Cuneta’s statement as her personal opinion and said others may share similar sentiments, but emphasized that it remained an individual view.
Malacañang did not announce any further comment from the President on the matter.
Political context
Marcos won the presidency in the May 2022 national elections alongside Vice President Sara Duterte. In the years since, political observers have noted shifts and strains within the UniTeam alliance that carried both candidates to victory.
Cuneta’s husband, former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, ran for vice president in 2022 as the running mate of then–Vice President Leni Robredo.
