Judy Ann Santos on controversial 'P500 Noche Buena': 'Sana mas sensitive'

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December 3, 2025 | 1:54pm

MANILA, Philippines — Judy Ann Santos thinks that a little sensitivity, compassion and research should have been done before suggesting that P500 would be enough for Noche Buena. 

Judy Ann, the new endorser of Filipino food brand UFC, spoke about Christmas and the meals she would be preparing for the holidays when the subject of the controversial remark from the Trade and Industry Secretary Christina Duque was brought up. 

“Napaka-controversial talaga niyan. Actually maraming nasaktan, maraming na-offend, maraming hindi naka-appreciate kasi parang na-degrade naman masyado ang mga tao, ‘di ba?” Judy Ann told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Tuesday, December 2.

The actress, a restaurateur and chef as well as an actress, said the remark should have been more specific and well-thought of, especially since the topic of expenses and money is a sensitive one due to the ongoing flood control probe. 

It have been said in good faith, Judy Ann thought, but the timing and context were not right. 

Call for clarity, research. “Siguro they could be more specific sa P500 na ‘yun. Kung dalawa lang sila, baka nga hindi pa kasya. Sa mahal din talaga ng bilihin. Probably more research should have been done before nag-labas ng ganon statement kasi sa panahon ng buhay natin ngayon, everybody is just clinging to a thin thread. Kahit anong sabihin talaga mapapansin lalo na ‘pag usapang pera. Kasi marami nang nawalang pera tapos babalik tayo sa P500? Saan napunta ‘yung iba?” the actress said. 

“Sana mas naging compassionate lang sa mga ganyang klaseng pagbibigay ng… tumulong ka nga pero… gusto mong tumulong sa Filipino family pero parang mas naka-offend ka pa. Sana mas naging sensitive lang sa part na yun kasi ilan lang ba ang Filipino families na walang anak? Or… lahat tayo smorgasbord tayo sa pamilya,” she added. 

P500 per person would make more sense

Judy Ann said that if it was clarified to mean P500 per person, the budget would be viable and more than enough. 

“Nakakalungkot lang isiping they could’ve been more sensitive in that part because marami na tayong pinagdadaanan. Masyado nang durog ang Pilipino. Sana bilang magpa-Pasko, mas pinag-isipan kung paano siya ide-deliver,” Judy Ann said. 

Santos added that while Noche Buena is a cherished Filipino tradition, families should remember that the heart of the holidays is spending time together and being thanksful for the year’s blessings.

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