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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Nothing malicious' in asking Elizabeth Means about boyfriend, says Estrada

'Nothing malicious' in asking Elizabeth Means about boyfriend, says Estrada

Published Mar 6, 2026 08:39 pm
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said on Friday, March 6, that there was "nothing malicious" with his question to Gilas Pilipinas Women's prospect Elizabeth Jeanette Means, which resulted to a "friendly banter" with a fellow senator.
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada (Senate PRIB photo)
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada (Senate PRIB photo)
Estrada was referring to Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, who was married.
The former drew flak on social media after he asked Means if she had a Filipino boyfriend.
To this, she replied, “Not yet po.”
He then added, “Maybe Senator Pangilinan might want to apply…Sorry, kay Sharon,” referring to Pangilinan, whose wife is megastar Sharon Cuneta.
Pangilinan even told Estrada tongue-in-cheek that Cuneta might get mad at him.
The exchange occurred during a Senate hearing that tackled Means’ naturalization. Netizens quickly expressed outrage, and claimed that the senator’s comments were inappropriate and unprofessional.
In a statement, Estrada said it may not be widely known, but Cuneta was a dear friend of his, and that their friendship goes back to their showbiz years, long before he entered politics.
"As for the question directed at Ms. Elizabeth Jeanette Means, it was asked within the context of determining her reasons for seeking naturalization as a Filipino," Estrada explained.
"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," he added.
He said that the question simply came to mind because another basketball player seeking naturalization, Maodo “Malick” Diouf, who has been living in the Philippines since 2018, shared during the hearing that he already feels at home in the country and, in fact, has been in a relationship with a Filipina for quite some time.
Estrada clarified that was "absolutely nothing malicious" with the question.
"It was asked in a light and conversational manner during the proceedings, especially since both Ms. Means and Mr. Diouf themselves expressed that they already feel at home in the Philippines," he added.

Related Tags

Jinggoy Estrada Sharon Cuneta Kiko Pangilinan Gilas Pilipinas
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