1 month ago
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ILOILO CITY — Filipino singer Juan Karlos "JK" Labajo's performance during the Dinagyang Festival has not impressed the city officials, notably Mayor Jerry Treñas, apparently due to the artist's use of profane language.
The incident unfolded during a Pepsi-sponsored event at the Festive Walk Parade, where a viral video captured Labajo performing an altered version of his 2023 hit song "Ere."
Instead of the original expletive lyrics, "Oh, 'di ba? Nakakap*t*ng*na," Labajo replaced the phrase with "Oh, 'di ba? Nakakayud*p*ta," a Hiligaynon expression often considered vulgar but used casually in some conversations in Iloilo.
"I already received a report [...] and we will do something about it. We will not tolerate it," Treñas said Monday.
"While we value creativity and self-expression, we must also be mindful of the messages we share, especially during important celebrations like [the] Dinagyang Festival," added Treñas.
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In a separate statement on Tuesday urged the artists to be respectful of the culture, values, and traditions of the Ilonggos, stressing that Dinagyang is a religious festival honoring the Señor Santo Niño.
Treñas said he had also asked organizers to be more circumspect in selecting performers, emphasizing the need for artists who can bring positivity and promote good values.
The video also captured the audience shouting and cheering for the singer to utter the phrase.
City Councilor Alan Zaldivar announced plans to address the incident in a privilege speech during the next council session.
He noted that such language contradicts the cultural and religious values of the Dinagyang Festival.
Zaldivar has urged the city government and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) to convene with all event organizers to establish clear guidelines and protocols for performances at future festivals.
IFFI president Alan Tan confirmed that they are coordinating with the Iloilo City Council to draft a resolution that would prohibit the use of vulgar language or profanity, not only in concerts but in all public events held in connection with the festival.
Tan explained that the resolution aims to instill awareness among performers and organizers to refrain from using inappropriate words.
As of now, there has been no formal statement from Labajo or his management regarding the incident.
