Singer-composer Jim Paredes became the subject of headlines over the weekend when he figured in a public confrontation with members of the Duterte Youth. His confrontation was caught on video, uploaded online and has gone viral since.
Paredes apparently asked the youth, who were carrying a banner that declared their support for Pres. Duterte, to leave the area. The youth showed up near the People Power Monument in EDSA while a commemoration program was ongoing.
Jim Paredes: ‘It Is So Satisfying To Shut Them Up’
After the EDSA rally, the singer tweeted how he felt about the confrontation. He explained that the youth were “disrespectful and provocative.” He also said that they were asked to leave, citing that this was not their party. Since they insisted on staying, Paredes took this chance to “engage them in debate.”
He went on to say that as he was confronting them, the youth attempted to answer him back. But for him, their answers were mere repetitions of “troll arguments” and fabricated information. He repeatedly asked the youth to start thinking about what kind of leader they were supporting.
Celebrities React To Jim Paredes’ Actions
As the video went viral, celebrities jumped in the fray to slam Paredes’ actions. Among the first to react was Arnell Ignacio, a known Duterte supporter. Through Facebook, he challenged Jim Paredes to a debate. In a video, he also criticized the singer, saying that what he did was “nasty.” He then said, “Why don’t you take somebody who will answer you back? Si Bruce Rivera, o kaya ako (or me)? Let’s do this!” Bruce Rivera, a lawyer, earlier challenged Paredes to a debate as well.
Another celebrity, Vivian Velez said that Jim Paredes was hiding the fact that his mother was involved in a spate of bombings in Manila during Martial Law. After she was convicted and Marcos left the country, Cory Aquino pardoned her together with other members of the Light-A-Fire Movement. She added, “how can he talk about killing the innocent when his own mother has blood on her hands!”
Former Senator Ramon Revilla, Jr. also took to Facebook to slam Paredes. According to Bandera, he said: “For someone claiming to be pro-freedom and pro-democracy, you sure look like a tyrant!” He defended the youth’s actions, saying that they were there to express their beliefs. He also said that Paredes’ actions were embarrassing.
Even Vice Ganda poked fun at the singer. In an Instagram post, Vice Ganda shared her photo and captioned it: “Maganda ako dito. Ang sinumang kumontra ipapakausap ko kay Jim Paredes.”
Solicitor General Calida Wants Faceoff Too
Even Solicitor General Jose Calida came out and challenged Jim Paredes to a faceoff. In an Inquirer report, he told the singer: “Don’t rebuke the children. Look for a person of your age. You call them cowards. You try telling me I’m a coward.”
He also awarded the Duterte Youth who figured in the confrontation with Republic Defenders pins for “standing up for what they believe in.” On hand during the awarding ceremony was lawyer Lorenzo Gadon who was volunteering his services in case the youth will consider pursuing a case against Paredes.