Paolo Marcoleta Faces Backlash for Wrong Movie Reference
PAOLO MARCOLETA – The Sagip Party-list Representative faced criticism online after making an incorrect movie reference during a House Justice Committee hearing on the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
While discussing the possible opening of a box containing tax records linked to the Vice President and her husband, Marcoleta confidently cited a well-known line about deserving an explanation and an acceptable reason, attributing it to a popular film character named Popoy. He used the line to stress that any decision to open the records should be backed by a valid and legal reason. “At sinabi rin ni Popoy sa pelikula, ‘I deserve an explanation. I deserve an acceptable reason,” he said.
However, fellow lawmaker Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña quickly corrected him during the hearing, pointing out that the line did not come from the character Marcoleta mentioned. Instead, it was delivered by a different character played by another actor in a separate film. The correction highlighted a mix-up between two well-known Filipino movies, which many viewers quickly noticed and reacted to online.
The moment drew attention not only because of the mistake but also due to the context in which it was used. Some found it inappropriate to reference pop culture in a serious proceeding involving a high-ranking government official. Adding to the awkwardness, Marcoleta also made another statement referencing song lyrics to support his point, which some viewers described as cringeworthy.
The committee chair also had her own light pop culture reference during the hearing, which further fueled reactions. In response, another lawmaker, Representative Brian Poe, reminded his colleagues to avoid using entertainment references in official discussions. He emphasized that the matter at hand was serious and should be treated with proper respect, given that it involves the impeachment of the country’s second-highest official.
