COUNCILOR Kristine Mercado demanded a public apology from Crist Briand P. Oncada alias Brader, following a social media post from the vlogger looking for “baboy na halal.”
“Let me be direct: this is offensive, misleading, and unacceptable, especially when done merely to gain likes, shares, and followers,” she said in her privileged speech on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
Mercado added that pork meat can never be halal, so “halal na baboy” is a contradiction in itself.
“Using it carelessly not only spreads misinformation but also disrespects our faith and our identity,” Mercado added.
The lawmaker quoted Acting City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte as saying that discrimination has no place in the city.
She added that the issue is not only about religion but about upholding respect for diversity in the city, whether Muslim, Christian, Lumad, or any other community.
“I strongly condemn this kind of insensitive behavior, and I urge Mr. Crist Briand P. Oncada to take responsibility by issuing a public apology and committing to greater cultural awareness moving forward,” Mercado emphasized.
Prior to Mercado’s statement, Briand published a video on Sept. 5 insisting that he respects every religion.
“Im sorry kung may na offend doon sa aking mga past posts. It was not to offend, but for content purposes only,” he said.
“I respect belief. I respect your belief. I respect my belief. I respect anyone’s belief. If I offended someone, I am sorry, and maybe it is because I don’t cling to any belief,” he stressed.
To note, in a letter dated Sept. 3, the NCMF directed Briand to explain, within five days, why appropriate action should not be taken against him for posting such insensitive content.
NCMF stressed that the notion of a “baboy na Halal” is not only false and misleading but also highly offensive and disrespectful to the beliefs, religious practices, and cultural sensitivities of the Muslim community.
