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Marc Jayson Cayabyab - The Philippine Star
March 8, 2026 | 12:00am
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on September 18, 2025.
STAR / Jesse Bustos
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on Friday downplayed criticisms of his questions to a basketball player seeking naturalization before the Senate, describing his comments as nothing more than “friendly banter.”
He drew backlash after teasing Gilas prospect Elizabeth Jeanette Means during a Senate justice committee hearing about having a Filipino boyfriend and jokingly linking her to fellow senator Kiko Pangilinan.
Estrada clarified that his jokes with Pangilinan were lighthearted and based on a long-standing personal relationship with his family and his wife, the “Megastar” actor Sharon Cuneta.
“It was simply a friendly banter between Sen. Francis Pangilinan and myself,” Estrada said.
“It may not be widely known, but Senator Pangilinan’s wife, Ms. Sharon Cuneta, is a dear friend of mine and our friendship goes back many years – long before I entered politics,” he added.
Estrada noted that “there was absolutely nothing malicious in the question” and that “it was asked in a light and conversational manner during the proceedings.”
Addressing the backlash over asking Means about her relationship status, Estrada said that the question was relevant to her bid for naturalization.
He said the committee needs to determine if an applicant wants to make the Philippines their permanent home.
“Part of the committee’s responsibility is to understand whether applicants intend to truly make the Philippines their home – whether by settling here permanently or even establishing a family in the future,” Estrada said.
The senator said the idea for the question came up because of another athlete, Maodo “Malick” Diouf, who is also seeking naturalization.
During his hearing, Diouf shared that he already feels at home in the country because he has been in a relationship with a Filipina for a long time.
Netizens said it was an inappropriate comment to make, especially on Women’s Month.
Some compared Estrada to Quezon city Rep. Bong Suntay, who was criticized for his misogynistic and lewd remarks during a House hearing about actress Anne Curtis.
