Philippines
Philippines

Online sentiment about Tuason’s testimony largely negative

Stacy De Jesus

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The mood online was largely negative during the 4 hours that the new pork barrel scam witness was testifying at the Senate

MANILA, Philippines – What did you think of Ruby Tuason’s testimony?

Tuason, the ex-social secretary of former President Joseph Estrada, faced the Senate blue ribbon committee for over 4 hours on Thursday, February 13. 

Thousands of Filipinos went online not only to watch and read what Senate blue ribbon committee chair TG Guingona called her “3-point buzzer-beater winning shot” testimony, but also to speak up and react live to her testimony. 

She was the day’s talk of the town with “Ruby Tuason” gaining almost 4000 tweets in just a day. 

A quick scan using the social media listening tool Radian6 showed that sentiments on the hearing were almost 70% negative.

MOSTLY NEGATIVE. Sentiment on #PorkProbe hearing; Tuason's testimony. Screenshot from Radian6

But Tuason is not the only one to blame for the overall sentiment. 

Let’s go through some of the notable moments during the hearing and find out what some social media users had to say about them. 

 

1. “For the sake of who?”

Tuason opened her speech by saying that she is “risking personal safety without any promise of immunity,” but “for the sake of a better tomorrow,” she is ready for their questions.

This did not sit well with the crowd. 

Instagram user @passerbymems doubted her intentions, asking, “For the sake of a better country or for the sake of being considered as a state witness?” 

“Yeah, right! Please. Don’t consider yourself a ‘hero,’ mada’am! You’re just as disgusting as everyone else involved. Give me a break!” Instagram user cyangslair commented.


2. Halfway through her testimony, she revealed that she used to personally deliver bags of cash to Senator Jinggoy Estrada and to Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s chief of staff, Gigi Reyes.

In response, social media users had the following to say:


Meanwhile, Boyet Antonio questioned her credibiltiy.

Noemi Dado thinks Tuason did not lay everything on the table. 

Estrada vehemently denied the allegations made by Tuason against him in her testimony. 



Denial is the best defense, said Facebook user Manoling Flores Enerio. 


3. Nine senators only?

When fiesty Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago arrived at the session halll to interpellate Tuason, social media users tuned in. 

Netizens felt extremely disappointed when the senator pointed out that there were only 9 senators present in the session hall.


Post by Rappler.


4. “You are doing the right thing.”

When a teary-eyed Tuason started talking about how regretful she was, there was a sense of hope among social media users that the truth would come out.


Post by Rappler.

“Good to know that there are still people who are willing to fight for our country,” Instagram user poienramos said. imhowee and meljunbanogon praised Tuason “for doing the right thing,” while selfhiz wished Tuason would “stay strong and firm” throughout this whole process.


How about you? How did all of this make you feel? Vote on our Mood Meter or leave a comment below. – Rappler.com 

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