Netizens abuzz over Alma Moreno's 'awkward' interview with Karen Davila

MANILA, Philippines - Alma Moreno has become a hot topic on social media as her television interview with Karen Davila turns viral online.

 

Alma sat down for an interview with Karen for news channel ANC's morning show "Headstart" that aired November 10. 

 

READ: UNA's Alma Moreno, Jacel Kiram file COC for senator

 

The interview tackled her senatorial bid under presidential aspirant Jejomar Binay's United Nationalist Alliance. The 56-year-old actress-turned-politician admitted her daughter Winwyn Marquez discouraged her from running due to her multiple sclerosis, but said she believes it will not be an issue in her senatorial bid.

 

Asked what makes her qualified to become senator, Alma cited her experience as a Councilor in Paranaque City. 

 

"Councilor ako for nine years... And sa liga namin, sa Philippine Councilors League, nine years din ako as sec gen, as presiden, as chairman ngayon," she said.

 

But netizens noted that Alma's interview with Karen turned uncomfortable midway through the program, when the broadcaster asked the actress for her views her advocacy and national issues.

 

"If you won a senate seat, what would be your advocacy in the senate?" Karen said.

 

Alma answered: "More on sa kababaihan. Boses ng kababaihan. Like Magna Carta for Women."

 

When Karen asked her to elaborate further, Alma laughed nervously and answered, "Teka muna."

 

Moreno also said she supports the reproductive health law but "with reservations."

 

"What are the reservations?" Karen said. 

 

"Kailangan ko pa ba sagutin?" Alma said.

 

Karen answered: "Yes, of course, you're running for the Senate."

 

"Kasi, dapat talaga, lalo na yung mahihirap, dapat talaga magcontrol kasi lalong naghihirap kapag maraming anak," Alma explained, to which Karen replied, "So how would they control?"

 

"Kailangan palaging bukas ang ilaw," Alma quipped.

 

Alma said she does not support the anti-dynasty bill, saying: "Sa akin kasi kung ang pamilya mo maganda ang ginagawa sa isang bayan, okay lang e."

 

When Karen asked if this is prone to abuse, Alma answered: "Hindi. Kasi hindi rin naman sila mananalo kung hindi gusto ng tao e. Bakit sila binoboto pa rin ng tao?"

 

The senatorial aspirant also said she believes same-sex marriage is a sin.

 

Netizens took to social media to comment on the interview, calling it "awkward" and "uncomfortable." Others say the interview was "painful to watch."

 

Some poked fun of the interview with tweets like, "On a scale of 1 to Alma Moreno, gaano ka ka-unprepared?!"

 

Karen also took to Twitter to thank netizens for their trending Alma Moreno interview. 

 

"Wow thank you netizens. Our interview on #ANCHeadstart with Alma Moreno is trending," she said.