Senator Cynthia Villar's fast-spreading remarks to middle class families during a hearing of the Senate Committee of the Whole has stirred a flood of negative opinion. The senator recently expressed her belief that middle-class families should be left out of the government's COVID-19 social amelioration program (SAP).
Shortly after drawing backlash, the senator toned-down and humbly apologized to those offended by her comments.
Source: Cynthia Villar / Facebook
“My statements during the hearing yesterday was not in any manner meant to be an affront to the hardworking middle class of the country,” Villar said in a statement.
“I might have framed my questions and statements in such a manner that made it seem I was insensitive to the plight of the middle income sector. I am NOT.
"If I have offended anyone with my statements, I humbly apologize,” the senator added.
The senator continues to recognize the contributions of those in the middle-class as they are the "backbone of the Philippine economy".
"The intention of my questions yesterday was to clarify reports about the middle class workers who remain employed but have been included as among the beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program of the government," she said.
During the Tuesday hearing, Villar questioned the need to provide cash aid to middle-class Filipino families amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Yung 18 million is 82%. Bakit bibigyan 'yung middle eh may trabaho sila, kahit lockdown nagsusweldo sila sa gobyerno kung employed by the government. Kung employed naman ng mga private, nagsusweldo rin sila kaya nga nahihirapan ang mga companies kasi they have to pay the salaries even if there is no business," Villar said.
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