MANILA – When asked about her thoughts on her mother Cecilia Ongpauco expressing support for Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s presidential candidacy, Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista asserted that differing political views in their family was not an issue.
“Something like that shouldn’t really bother us. It’s not a problem… It was perfectly fine that she would go because it’s natural. She (Santiago) is the friend of my mom,” Evangelista said, referring to her mother’s presence in one of the presidential aspirant’s political events held last month.
“[We have] the right to look at everybody. Kung sino talaga ang gusto natin… Ang pulitika naman, dapat labas ang pamilya at friendship. Kasi maraming nag-aaway na pamilya pagdating sa pulitika, hindi kami ganun,” she added.
(We have the right to look at everybody. Whomever we really want [to support]… In politics anyway, family and friendship should not be contributing factors. Because a lot of families are not in good terms when it comes to politics, we’re not like that.)
The actress’s husband Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who sought the country’s second highest post, has teamed up with Senator Grace Poe who has been running for president.
Even if she has close ties with Santiago as well, Evangelista knew that the senator would likewise understand and respect her choice to support her husband.