The controversial photoshoot in Malacañang

Turning 18 is perhaps the most momentous occasion to every girl. It’s more than simply coming of age: it’s her transition to becoming a woman. And yes, it’s been part of the Filipino tradition to celebrate this particular birthday in the grandest manner possible. After all, a girl turns 18 only once.

In this light, I must say that I pity Isabelle Duterte, the up and coming debutante whose now being put on the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Preparing for her debut should be giddy and exciting, but it was rather turned into an issue that is now being used to attack her grandfather, thanks to the ongoing effort of the media to amplify the sentiments of those who malign her pre-debut photoshoot that was done in Malacañang. I’d like to ask some questions, though.

By doing her pre-debut photoshoot at the Palace and having pictures that include the Presidential seal, did she violate any law that justifies the attacks being thrown at her and her family? Did she use people’s money to finance the controversial photoshoot? Did she step on other people that prompted them to condemn her and relate her photoshoot to the allegations of extra judicial killings? Has this become the norm for the “disente” supporters, to look for holes in all the family members of a politician that they do not support?

Everyone knows that I am not fond of their attacks toward the president, who I believe is doing nothing but work hard for our country, but at least I understand their reasons for doing so. In this case, however, to attack a seemingly innocent person just because she’s related to the present whom they don’t like is something that doesn’t make any sense to me.

As for Isabelle’s pre-debut photoshoot, which, due to its drama and grandiose, is seen to be a total contradiction to the President’s image of being simple, I ask: does her lifestyle negate her grandfather’s simplicity? For sure, you’d say yes if you do not happen to like him and submit to the propaganda against him. But for the millions of Filipinos who desire for change that is being represented by the president, I believe they know that his simplicity is not an act. Let us not forget that he was pushed by the people to run for the presidency, and that he won because the people believed in him, him who truly understands the needs of the ordinary Filipino. In this case, does Isabelle’s desire to have a memorable debut with great photos to go with it, negate President Duterte’s actions for the Filipino people? The answer is no.

Indeed, she’s the President’s granddaughter and her photoshoot may have served as a catalyst for a new controversy, but she is no less than a mere victim being used to tarnish President Duterte’s image. Let me remind you that they are two different individuals, and it is the President who was not only put into office, but is the one we continue to believe in, the one who continues to champion the ideals of change for this country. And despite all the backlash, he continues to do what he is tasked to do: serve the public.

If I am to agree on something, that would be with the insights of Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles. What happened is an example of bad politics. The pre-debut photoshoot should not have been allowed to be done in the Malacañang, for the sole reason that it would pave the opportunity for detractors to bash the president and attack him in the pettiest ways possible, all in the hope to destroy his image before the public. On the other hand, could you blame a loving lolo if he granted the request of his granddaughter, now that she is about to come of age?

It’s not like the debut will be done in the palace, nor like Isabelle requested for public funds to be spent on the photoshoot. No laws were broken; no taxpayers’ money was splurged. Simply put, she just wanted her pictures taken at Malacañang. Now, does granting such simple request really require hateful condemnation?

I do hope that the people who were offended by the photoshoot are not those hypocrites who kept mum when the previous administrations used the Malacañang for family events or when a chopper was used by a family member for campaigning. Also, let us not allow this supposedly “big issue” distract us from the real problems our country is facing at the moment, i.e. the real mistakes committed by the previous administration who didn’t seem to know what was happening when their leader was in power. Lastly, I hope that we allow Isabelle to enjoy this very special moment in her life, free from drama and hatred coming from the realm of politics – as this has nothing to do with her. Let her transition to womanhood be filled with joy and great memories – especially when her simple request was granted by a grandfather who loves her dearly.