Lito Lapid Gets Emotional Over Years of Mockery: “Minsan nasasaktan din”
LITO LAPID – Action star–turned–senator Lito Lapid stunned many when he spoke emotionally about being belittled, saying critics easily make jokes at his expense.
Senator Lito Lapid revealed that he is still emotionally affected whenever people underestimate him or poke fun at his role as a public servant. Even after many years in both the entertainment industry and politics, the long-time actor and lawmaker said there are still those who continue to criticize him and question how he repeatedly secures a seat during elections.
During a Thanksgiving and early holiday gathering he organized for entertainment media, Sen. Lapid was asked if online bashing still impacts him. The action icon, widely recognized for his classic film roles, admitted that the negative remarks he encounters both on social platforms and in real life continue to cause him pain.
He shared that he understands why some people ridicule him, acknowledging that he was unable to complete his schooling. “Siyempre tao lang ako, minsan nasasaktan din, dahil hindi po ako nakapag-aral, wala naman po akong magagawa kung ganu’n kantiyaw nila sa akin.
“Hindi ako marunong mag-English, hindi ako marunong magsalita nang marami dahil kulang po ako sa basa,” he said. He also pointed out that it has become easy for others to belittle him: “Kung kantiyawan nila si Lito Lapid ganu’n-ganu’n na lang. Kung maliitin si Lito Lapid, ganu’n-ganu’n na lang.”
Lapid recounted that from the start of his showbiz career, he had always been transparent about his modest background. He admitted he never expected to find himself in the political arena. “Hindi ko naman po alam na makakarating ako rito. Kahit na barangay captain lang, hindi ako qualified. Kahit na kagawad, hindi ako qualified.
“‘Yan po ang nasa isip ko, na wala akong karapatang pumasok sa politika dahil kulang ang pinag-aralan ko. Pero wala po akong magawa eh, dinadala ako ng kapalaran dito,” he said.
Because of the criticisms he has endured, particularly those attacking his capability, Lapid said he frequently emphasizes to his children the value of completing their education. “Sinasabi ko na nga eh, isinisigaw pa nila, kaya sinasabi ko sa mga anak ko, ipaghiganti niyo ako anak. Mag-aral kayo. Ayokong mainsulto kayo, tulad ng nararanasan ko ngayon,” he added.
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