Vice Ganda accepts Manny’s apology; Boy Abunda airs sentiments

MANILA, Philippines – Vice Ganda has accepted Manny Pacquiao’s apology after his statement about same-sex marriage.

In an interview, Manny was quoted saying “common sense lang, makakakita ka bang any animals na lalaki sa lalaki o babae sa babae? Mas mabuti pa ‘yong hayop, marunong kumilala, kung lalai o lalaki, babae babae.”

On Tuesday, Manny released a video statement on his Instagram account where he admitted that he was wrong for comparing men to animals, but stood firm that he’s against same-sex marriage.

“Hindi po nagbabago ang aking desisyon na against po ako sa same sex marriage at ‘yon po ang paniniwala ko. Ang mali ko lang po is nakumpara ko ‘yong tao sa hayop,” he said.

READ: Pacquiao apologizes for comments against LGBT community

Vice Ganda is one f the prominent personalities who expressed his dismay over Manny’s statement.

READ: Vice Ganda tells Manny Pacquiao: Make sure we won’t see you in hell

However after the “People’s Champ” expressed his apology, the comedian accepted it.

“Manny said sorry. Apology accepted,” he said, but also added that, “I will still not vote for him. Manny for boxing not for Senate.”

Manny said sorry. Apology accepted. But i will still not vote for him. Manny for boxing not for Senate. #Respect

- jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) Pebrero 16, 2016

Boy Abunda speaks up

TV host and talent manager Boy Abunda. meanwhile, also expressed his sentiments over the issue through his show “Tonight with Boy Abunda” aired on Tuesday.

Before airing his side, Abunda said that his network and show doesn’t have anything to do with his statement.

He then recalled how he respected Manny’s response in an interview with the foreign press where he said he doesn’t condemn the LBGT Community.

“Alam n’yo po some time in 2012, ako’y nagsalita in defense of Manny Pacquiao dahil in one of his interviews in Associated Press, nagbitaw siya ng mga salitang, ‘I do not condemn gays. Mayro’n akong pamangkin, mayro’n akong pinsan, mayro’n akong mga kaibigan, kamag-anak [na bakla] but I don’t condemn them. But I am against same-sex marriage,’” he recalled.

He remembered saying to the people, “iginagalang ko ang opinion na ito dahil for this world, there is space for respectful, for vibrant debate. Kanya-kanya tayo ng opinion, kaya sabi ko, ‘iginagalang ko ang kanyang opinion.’”

However, after Manny’s recent statement, Abunda believes that the Saranggani Representative “has crossed the line. He has crossed the line.”

“Hindi ako papayag, Manny, if you’re watching, na matawag mo ako na masahol pa ako sa hayop, that I am lower than an animal,” he added.

In the end he challenged Manny, “Sino ka para manghusga? Saan ka kumuha ng kapangyarihan para tawagin kami na mas masahol pa kaysa sa mga hayop?”

Abunda ended his sentiment by asking the boxer-politician, who is vying for a Senate seat, “Palagay mo ba iboboto ko ang isang tao na ang tingin sa akin ay hndi isang tao? Iboboto ko ba ang isang tao na ang tingin sa akin ay mas masahol pa sa hayop? Manny ang kasagutan salita mo: Common sense.”