Kapamilya actor Jake Ejercito shared on twitter, Friday, November 19, that he once protested against the late Ferdinand Marcos, who got buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Using the hashtag #tumindig, Ejercito wrote, “5 years ago today, I joined a rally to protest FEM at LNMB. Had to cover my face with a bandana for personal reasons. 5 years later, face still covered, but this time loudly and proudly.”
Back then, there was a debate whether Marcos should be laid rest alongside the country’s national heroes after running the Philippines for 20 years and giving birth to the first People Power, which unseated him from his power.
But in 2016, after countless hearings, Marcos, through the Supreme Court’s decision, was allowed to rest at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani.
In his tweet, Ejercito can be seen wearing a face mask with the markings of the presidential aspirant and incumbent Vice President, Leni Robredo.
5 years ago today, I joined a rally to protest FEM at LNMB. Had to cover my face with a bandana for personal reasons. 5 years later, face still covered, but this time loudly and proudly ✊🏼 #tumindig pic.twitter.com/DbLMgWKeMz
— jake ejercito (@unoemilio) November 18, 2021
Ejercito was among the few celebrities who were expressive of their opinion regarding political issues.
The actor also has his own share of experience in politics, being the son of former Philippine President, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who was ousted from his position during the second EDSA Revolution.
In an exclusive interview with LH back in July of this year, Ejercito considered being in a political family as both a blessing and a curse.
“Coming from a political family, hindi ko naman made-deny na s’yempre may perks din yan. Noong bata kami, for example, may bodyguards kami, and I guess may special treatment din.
“But you know, it’s also a curse kasi parang bukas ang buhay mo sa public eh. But I guess it comes with the territory. You just have to learn how to live with it.”
When he was young, his father was impeached for plunder and perjury. At 11 years old, Jake witnessed his father’s downfall after being unseated by the public through People Power 2.
“Kaya parang it’s already part of our lives eh sa’min na magkakapatid. Kaya these days, hindi maiiwasan na may bashers. Parang wala na lang din eh kasi ever since we were kids, nararanasan namin ‘yon kahit sa school namin nabu-bully kami. So we’re kinda used to it actually. Before social media, before Facebook and Twitter, naba-bash na kami.”
Through the struggles and controversies associated with his family, Ejercito now uses his voice to express his opinion on critical matters.
“For me kasi, I’m just exercising my right to voice out my opinion. Yun naman ang okay sa democracy ‘di ba? Everyone has the right to say something, express their opinion,” he pointed.
Ejercito is currently part of ABS-CBN’s teleserye, Marry Me, Marry You led by Paulo Avelino and Janine Gutierrez.
