Leila de Lima Voices Support for Nadine Lustre
Incoming Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Representative Leila de Lima has publicly expressed her strong support for actress and singer Nadine Lustre amid the social media harassment she has been facing. This support comes as Lustre files a complaint under the Safe Spaces Act, responding to the continuous hateful and malicious comments targeted at her online.
“We at ML Partylist express full support for Nadine Lustre as she files a complaint under the Safe Spaces Act in response to the relentless and malicious attacks she has endured,” De Lima said in a statement on Thursday, May 22. She emphasized the importance of taking action in an era where social media is often misused to silence voices advocating for justice and reform. “Ginagamit ang mga plataporma para buwagin ang makabuluhang diskurso at palitan ito ng galit at paninira,” she added.
Understanding the Social Media Backlash Against Nadine Lustre
The actress’s troubles began in March when she reshared an Instagram post that many interpreted as celebrating the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity. Following this, pro-Duterte supporters launched a wave of online attacks, wishing harm and hurling insults at her.
De Lima stressed the balance between freedom of expression and responsibility. “We believe in freedom of expression. Pero ang kalayaang ito ay hindi dapat gamitin laban sa katotohanan, dignidad, at demokrasya,” she said. She warned that expression turns harmful when fueled by misinformation and personal vendettas.
Combating Online Harassment Through Safe Spaces Act
“Marami sa mga lumalabas sa social media ngayon ay hindi maituturing na opinyon. These are part of deliberate effort to harass, discredit, and instill fear. May masamang intensyon. May malinaw na layunin na patahimikin ang mga tumitindig,” De Lima explained. She noted that many posts go beyond opinion, aiming to intimidate and silence those standing up for what is right.
Supporting Nadine’s stand, De Lima affirmed, “We support Nadine. Her case is a stand for truth and accountability. Make no mistake: we will push back against this kind of behavior. Hindi ito katanggap-tanggap. Hindi ito dapat palampasin.”
She concluded by acknowledging Lustre’s courage. “Maraming salamat, Nadine, sa tapang at paninindigan. Sa bawat hakbang mo, mas lumalakas ang laban para sa isang makatao, makatarungan, at demokratikong lipunan.”
For more news and updates on social media harassment, visit Filipinokami.com.