Sharon Cuneta’s Gala Joke Opens Old Political Wounds

Sharon Cuneta’s Gala Joke Opens Old Political Wounds

By Wilma N Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 16, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A seemingly innocent joke by veteran actress Sharon Cuneta at a recent gala event has reignited political debates on the contentious 2022 presidential election.

The incident occurred during “An Evening with the Stars,” a celebration honoring Filipino artists, and was attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

Mega star Sharon Cuneta shares a light moment with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Lisa Araneta Marcos.

Before taking the stage to perform, Cuneta, accompanied by her husband, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, playfully remarked that she “only has one vice president,” a clear allusion to Pangilinan’s unsuccessful bid against Sara Duterte in the 2022 elections.

The remark took a sharper turn when Cuneta, with a knowing smile, added, “Mali your choice, no? Sorry, okay, okay, let’s move on,” seemingly referencing President Marcos’ decision to run alongside Duterte under the “UniTeam” banner.

While the comment drew laughter from the audience, it quickly triggered a wave of online criticism, highlighting the perceived rift between the Marcos and Duterte camps.

A Joke Unveils Cracks in the UniTeam Alliance

The 2022 elections saw Marcos and Duterte secure landslide victories, initially projecting an image of a unified front.

However, the “UniTeam” has since shown signs of strain, culminating in Duterte’s resignation from the Marcos Cabinet following public disagreements and corruption accusations directed at Marcos.

Cuneta’s seemingly lighthearted jest amplified these perceived divisions.

Online Backlash Reflects Shifting Loyalties, Enduring Distrust

The online response was immediate and deeply polarized.

Critics accused Cuneta of disrespecting the Vice President and displaying political insensitivity.

Some Duterte supporters argued that Marcos’ victory was due to Duterte’s endorsement, suggesting his presidential campaign would have faltered without her support.

This sentiment echoes Marcos’s defeat in the 2016 vice-presidential race against Leni Robredo, Pangilinan’s running mate in 2022, highlighting the enduring nature of Philippine political rivalries.

Cuneta’s supporters defended her right to express her opinion, dismissing the comment as a harmless joke and accusing critics of overreacting.

They pointed to the Marcos family’s controversial history, invoking the 1986 People Power Revolution and the enduring “Never Again” sentiment against the late dictator’s regime.

The controversy has also fueled speculation surrounding Duterte’s potential presidential candidacy in 2028, widely anticipated by many Filipinos.

However, concerns persist about potential election irregularities and the integrity of the current administration.

Adding fuel to the fire, accusations have surfaced online alleging widespread corruption within the Marcos Jr. administration, specifically involving billions of pesos in kickbacks purportedly funneled to unscrupulous individuals.

Netizens are accusing President Marcos of covering up the alleged involvement of House Speaker Martin Romualdez in systemic corruption related to “ghost projects” in the flood control program.

The allegations, while unsubstantiated, are eroding public trust and further fueling political instability, they said.