By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Former Ateneo Lady Eagles teammates Alyssa Valdez and Denden Lazaro called on Filipino athletes to make a stand regarding the current social issues the past months.
Valdez and Lazaro spoke regarding netizens who bashed PH athletes for taking their stand in various social issues during the Tiebreaker Vods’ CPT Crossover presented by SMART and supported by LGR.
The dynamic Ateneo duo pointed out that athletes still have the right to make a stand because just like any other Filipino, they are citizens first.
“We are citizens first, so we should have a say on these things. So it’s good that these athletes who have platforms, who have a reach to other people voice out their concerns and voice out what they are passionate about. It’s good that they are passionate about the current happenings in our country and internationally,” Lazaro said.
Meanwhile, Valdez also agreed with Lazaro’s statements and added that as citizens first, they are still part of the community and their opinions still matter.
“So as Den said, we are citizens first. Actually some of us represented also the country, so I think… I’m not saying na parang meron kaming pinanghahawakan to say our comments about everything that’s happening, but I think we are part of this community, this country, so we really have to. It’s nice to hear athletes say their parts also,” Valdez explained.
After PBA players Gabe Norwood, Harvey Carey, and Chriss Ross posted their pictures kneeling on the floor while holding a sign which reads: “Could’ve been me! #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd” showing support to the Black Lives Matter protest, some of the netizens were quick to comment negative feedbacks regarding their posts which the players took in stride.
Also, UAAP superstars Kobe Paras, Thirdy Ravena, Jack Animam, CJ Cansino, and Eya Laure all expressed dismay towards the signing of the Anti-Terror Bill where they also received criticism from netizens.
