Senator Pia Cayetano on Thursday expressed dismay over the online bashing of Filipino athletes, raising the possibility of jailing those who attack athletes online during a Senate sports committee hearing.
“The whole country rejoices when you win. And then may magba-bash pa pag natalo, my God! Like, pwede bang pakulong na yung mga yan?” Cayetano said during the hearing assessing the Philippine delegation’s participation in the 20th Asian Games.
“Sumbong nyo sa akin, isa-isahin ko sila. Magpupuyat ako gabi-gabi,” she added, expressing her determination to go after those who bash athletes.
Cayetano also urged athletes to call out their own supporters when they attack competitors online, reminding them that their opponents are part of what makes their victories meaningful.
“Wag nyo man i-bash yung kalaban ko dahil dahil sa kanya, number one ako,” she said.
The senator, who is also a former athlete, said she was fortunate to have competed at a time when online bashing was not as prevalent, adding that she felt bad that today's athletes had to endure such treatment.
