PBB’s Shuvee Etrata, Mika Salamanca apologize over politics-related backlash

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

MANILA, Philippines — “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” housemates Shuvee Etrata and Mika Salamanca have issued public apologies after drawing backlash online over their perceived support for and ties to the Duterte family.

Shuvee Etrata PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/SHUVEEETRATA

A resurfaced live video showed Etrata, 24, praising former President Rodrigo Duterte for what he had done in her hometown of Bantayan Island, Cebu, just months before she entered the PBB house. The clip quickly circulated online, sparking criticism from viewers who questioned her stance on the controversial former leader.

Salamanca, meanwhile, came under fire for her closeness to Kitty Duterte, the former president’s daughter.

The controversy intensified as news of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent charges against Duterte — three counts of crimes against humanity related to his bloody war on drugs — continues to dominate headlines.

Mika Salamanca PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/MIKSLMNC

Etrata, who has largely avoided political discussions since entering the public eye, addressed the matter in a lengthy statement posted Tuesday on her social media accounts.

“Good day to everyone! I’m deeply grateful for the support many of you have shown. All of this is very new to me, so I apologize to everyone I may have disappointed or hurt,” she wrote in Filipino.

“I understand that what I said in the past caused pain to some, and I take responsibility for it. Honestly, I really try to avoid speaking about politics because it is very divisive. What’s more important to me now is to love our country and stand against those who destroy it, such as corruption — especially now,” she continued.

“Please don’t worry, I’ve learned my lesson. I will broaden my perspective for all of us. I will continue to learn and grow. I love you all and I love the Philippines, especially in these times. I stand for and with the Filipino people — always,” Entrata ended.

Salamanca took to X (formerly Twitter) to apologize as well.

“I understand where the disappointment and frustration are coming from and I am truly sorry. If I can only say one thing about this, I assure you that I stand and will always stand with the people,” Salamanca said.

“Yes I admit that I had questionable choices of friends when I was at my lowest, but one thing has always been clear to me, I've always made sure to stand my ground even during those times. I spoke about what I believed in no matter who I was around,” she added.

In addition to her statement, fans noted that Salamanca has already unfollowed Kitty Duterte on social media.

Both apologies were met with mixed reactions from netizens. Some fans accepted the statements as sincere and expressed support for the two housemates as they continue their PBB journey. Others, however, remained critical, saying the apologies came only after the backlash gained traction online.

User @mainlymiks praised Salamaca saying, “Funny how they redirected the hate to you instead of those corrupt officials na dapat mas putaktehin. ily queen thank u for this!”

While user @@CEON_moon replied to Salamanca, “Mika, this isn’t about what your political stances are. it’s about how far you’re willing to stand on it. you can’t stand behind the oppressed and cozy up with the oppressors… if we don’t sever every connection, they’ll find a way back in. and they’ll hurt more people."

“Politics is only divisive if you side with those who benefit at the expense of others. It can be transformative, Shuvee, if only you open your eyes and heart to the struggles of others,” said @ssunootonin to Etrata.

On the other hand, X user @CutieeeePs92731 wrote, “No shuvs! You don’t need to be sorry to the pips who’s cancelled u. I don't get why they're mad when the drugs were the main context there, eh. Is it bad to say thanks? Good grief, I really don't get them at all, they're kinda irrelevant.”