Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Representative Paolo Ortega shared his perspective on Vice President Sara Duterte’s controversial statement about not being ready to forgive this Christmas. During a press briefing on Thursday, December 5, Rep. Ortega discussed the essence of forgiveness, offering his take on the matter.
“Siya po siguro yun pero kung ako nasa lugar niya siguro, uhm broad po kasi ang pagpapatawad, so ang pinakauna ko pong gagawin, papatawarin ko muna yung sarili ko bago ako magpatawad ng ibang tao,” Ortega remarked.
Ortega elaborated that forgiving oneself is a crucial step toward forgiving others. He believes self-forgiveness allows individuals to find the emotional capacity to forgive others, especially during the Christmas season, a time traditionally associated with love and forgiveness.
“Kasi pag napatawad mo na sarili mo sa mga pagkakasala mo o kung ano man nagawa mong masama, yan lang ang panahon na makakapagpatawad ka ng ibang tao,” Ortega added.
The congressman advised focusing on self-forgiveness as a starting point to achieve reconciliation and peace with others during the holidays. “So unahin muna ang sarili para at least makapatawad tayo ng ibang tao. Merry Christmas,” he concluded.
VP Sara’s Controversial Statement
VP Sara Duterte’s earlier remarks sparked discussions nationwide. Speaking at a Thanksgiving event of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Tuesday, December 3, she expressed a firm stance on forgiveness, highlighting its subjectivity.
“Ang Pasko ay panahon ng pagpapatawad, pagmamahal, at pagbibigay. Forgiving, giving, and loving. Lagi ko pong sinasabi na depende ‘yan sa tao pero dahil ako ay vice president, kailangan ko sabihin na yan ang mensahe at diwa ng Pasko. Pero kung ako, hindi ako magpapatawad,” said the Vice President.
Her statement has elicited mixed reactions, with some supporting her candor while others emphasized the value of forgiveness as central to the Christmas spirit.
Rep. Ortega’s comments reflect an alternative view, encouraging introspection and self-compassion as essential components of forgiveness, especially in the context of the holiday season.