Salvador Panelo reacts to apology issued by Sharon Cuneta

Senatorial aspirant Salvador Panelo issued a statement regarding the apology posted by Sharon Cuneta. Although Sharon did not mentioned any names, Panelo felt that it is appropriate for him to respond.

Panelo said that no apology is required. He apologized to Sharon as well if the actress felt slighted or offended.

Here is the full post of Panelo:

Dear Ms. Sharon Cuneta,

I don’t want to assume that your apology is for me because I was not named, but no apology for me is necessary. I was not hurt. I just felt sad that you felt slighted or offended, and I apologize for that. I had no intention to do that at all.

Just like Senator Kiko and his party mates, apart from sharing our respective platforms of government to our audiences, we also want to entertain and show our appreciation to them with music. It just so happened that “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas” holds a special place in my heart, and that’s why I chose it. I have been singing it for a very long time for my special child, Carlo.

I know you would not have reacted that way if you knew that so I understand you, and hold no ill will towards you.
I am very happy to let you know that because of the buzz that was created, the song has taken a new meaning for many as one depicting the unconditional love of a parent for his/her child, especially those with special needs. More are also now aware of the plight of children with disabilities (CWD) and their families. I hope this gives you comfort amid the difficulties you encountered with this issue.

I am also very pleased to know that you have been supporting CWDs. I’m therefore sure you know that government support for them has been lacking for a very long time.

In 2018, Philhealth estimated that 1 out of 7 or 5.1 million Filipino children are living with disabilities. In 2019, DSWD said that approximately 60% of CWDs were out of school, and per DepEd, this number increased in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. I have also received thousands of testimonials from CWD parents on how therapy for their children is too expensive. A 2017 study from PIDS estimated that 15% of the monthly household income of a CWD family goes to therapy and health expenses. Per PIDS, this is a conservative estimate because many covered by the study went to public hospitals. Many CWDs have to go to private hospitals because they do not have access to public hospitals that can attend to their needs. CWD parents also worry about who will take care of their children if they pass away ahead of the kids. We are not aware of any government facility or home dedicated for orphaned or abandoned CWDs, and if there are, there is evidently too few of them. I think there should be one in at least every province.

I hope that, through you, Team Leni Kiko can cross party lines to join our advocacy to provide free therapy and special education for CWDs, and nursing homes or facilities for orphaned or abandoned CWDs. I also hope that you can personally and publicly advocate for the same. With your star power, I am certain that the movement can gain more support. CWDs have a better chance if we’re all in this together.

We hope for Team Leni Kiko’s and your favorable response.

Best wishes to you and your family!

SALVADOR S. PANELO

(Photo source: Facebook – @Salvador “Sal Panalo” Panelo / Instagram – @reallysharoncuneta)