SEA Games gold medalist Carlos Yulo received tremendous amount of criticisms on social media platform Twitter after he revealed to one of his fans that he supports President Rodrigo Duterte.

On December 28, Yulo received a question from his follower @mrglKoryn asking the popular gymnast if he supports the President.

Yulo made a positive answer which raised the eyebrows of some Twitter users.

“Yaaas!” Yulo said in his now-deleted tweet.

Here are some of the comments from the netizens who criticized Yulo:

“Reminder lang kay Caloy Yulo, EJ Obiena at Hidilyn Diaz… lahat nang nag ? sa mga photo ops, na olats sa mga susunod na games nila. Pakwento kayo sa Gilas at Pacifictown-Army.” netizen @nico_quejano said.

“Bye Caloy Yulo, I’mma have to unstan too.” @tenicalfaul twitted.

After deleting his tweet, Yulo made another post saying that netizens are free to unfollow him on Twitter.

He also said that he’s not aware of what’s happening in the country.

“U guys can unfollow me anytime hahaha di ko alam kung anong nangyayare dito sa pinas so sorry kung madissapoint kayo,” Yulo said.

U guys can unfollow me anytime hahaha ? di ko alam kung anong nangyayare dito sa pinas so sorry kung madissapoint kayo ?

— Carlos Edriel Yulo (@c_edrielzxs) December 28, 2019

Some netizens who saw said tweet of Yulo said that the athlete may only lack knowledge of what’s really happening in the country that’s why they encouraged the athlete to talk with them.

Twitter user @savelumadschool asked Yulo for a discussion so they could educate the athlete about the bad deeds of the Duterte administration.

“Hello! Good day Caloy! We are a network of advocates for the education of the indigenous youth in Mindanao. We are very willing to discuss with the issues we are currently facing. If you have spare time, just contact us. Lumad children want to learn gymnastics too!” @savelumadschool told Yulo.

“For a brief intro, indigenous peoples schools (built by the IPs themselves) in Mindanao are being closed down by the Duterte administration through different means. This is because large companies want to grab ancestral lands of IPs,” they added.

For a brief intro, indigenous peoples schools (built by the IPs themselves) in Mindanao are being closed down by the Duterte administration through different means.

This is because large companies want to grab ancestral lands of IPs.https://t.co/XQBqX57Bc8

— Save Our Schools Network (@savelumadschool) December 28, 2019

Another netizen even invited Yulo to discuss the issue in the Philippines with activist group Kabataan and Rep. Sarah Elago.

“Hi. we know you’re busy training, pero mas mabuti nang aware sa nangyayari sa bansa, after all damay damay pati sports dito e.g. yung issues SEA Games at yung funding sa mga atleta. Tara discussion w @KabataanPL and rep @sarahelago ? hehe,” netizen @victoryliner wrote.

Hi. we know you're busy training, pero mas mabuti nang aware sa nangyayari sa bansa, after all damay damay pati sports dito e.g. yung issues SEA Games at yung funding sa mga atleta. Tara discussion w @KabataanPL and rep @sarahelago? hehe

— scorbunny stan account (@victoryliner) December 28, 2019

As a response to the offer he received, Yulo said that he’s thankful for the people who wanted him to see the real situation of the country.

At 19 alam ko pong marami pa kong mga kailangan matutunan bilang tao at bilang mabuting Pilipino. Maraming salamat po sa mga taong gusto akong imulat at ieducate sa estado ng Bansa. Everyday is a chance to learn. ?? https://t.co/xVZvfP8uhg

— Carlos Edriel Yulo (@c_edrielzxs) December 28, 2019

“At 19 alam ko pong marami pa kong mga kailangan matutunan bilang tao at bilang mabuting Pilipino. Maraming salamat po sa mga taong gusto akong imulat at ieducate sa estado ng Bansa. Everyday is a chance to learn,” Yulo said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson had enough with US politician Patrick Leahy’s call to free Senator Leila De Lima.

On December 29, Leahy made a response to the Duterte admin asking them why they’re planning to require Americans to get a visa before entering the Philippines as a response to the entry ban of the US against the accusers of De Lima instead of just freeing the lady senator.

“Rather than responding by irrationally threatening to deny visas to American citizens, the Duterte government should either release Senator De Lima immediately or provide her the fair, public trial she is entitled to,” Leahy said in a statement.

Leahy also urged the government to drop their charges against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa saying that she’s “a courageous Filipino exercising her right of free expression,”

Lacson expressed annoyance after reading Leahy’s statement and told the American senator to respect the courts of the Philippines.

The Filipino Senator made the said message to Leahy all-caps.

“NAKAKAPIKON KA NA MR. LEAHY! RESPECT OUR COURTS. OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM MAY NOT BE PERFECT BUT SO ARE YOURS,”

NAKAKAPIKON KA NA MR. LEAHY! RESPECT OUR COURTS. OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM MAY NOT BE PERFECT BUT SO ARE YOURS.

US senator tells Duterte admin: Free De Lima instead of denying Americans of visa https://t.co/w8f48xlRS2 via @inquirerdotnet

— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) December 29, 2019

When Lacson’s follower told him that it’s the right of the US to ban anyone they want, the Filipino senator said that Leahy’s action is not already in scope of their sovereignty.

Is it their sovereign right to deny entry of some Filipino officials into the US? Yes! Is it their sovereign right to tell our courts to dismiss the case against Sen de Lima and release her? No!

Is it their sovereign right to deny entry of some Filipino officials into the US? Yes! Is it their sovereign right to tell our courts to dismiss the case against Sen de Lima and release her? No!

— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) December 29, 2019

A few days ago, the camp of Leahy claimed that the entry-ban against Filipino government officials involved in Sen. De Lima’s detention was already signed by Pres. Donald Trump as part of 2020 US budget.

As a response, Malacanang said that they’re going to require all Americans of getting a visa before entering the Philippine territory.

President Duterte also banned Leahy from visiting the Philippines.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that the America entry ban against the accusers of Senator Leila De Lima is not included in the 2020 budget of the US.

On a short tweet, Sotto said that many people believed about the news that the said entry-ban proposed by two American Senators was included in the budget signed by US President Donald Trump.

“Wala naman Pala sa US 2020 budget yun so called ban. Ang daming nabola!” said Sotto.

Wala naman Pala sa US 2020 budget yun so called ban. Ang daming nabola!

— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) December 28, 2019

Sotto was probably reacting to the claims of blogger RJ “Thinking Pinoy” Nieto who said that the US Entry ban against De Lima’s accusers is the “biggest fake news story of 2019”.

The Senate President is one of the politicians who retweeted the said article of Nieto.

According to Nieto, the said provision is not existing in the final version signed by Trump last week.

“The nearest thing related to the de Lima issue that can be found in the final text is in Section 7031(c)(1)(A), which reads:

“Officials of foreign governments and their immediate family members about whom the Secretary of State has credible information have been involved in significant corruption, including corruption related to the extraction of natural resources, or a gross violation of human rights shall be ineligible for entry into the United States.” said Nieto.

“But here’s the thing: it’s standard text (READ: not an amendment) in at least four other US Budget Laws (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018) [2,3,4,5].

So what amendment were US Senators Durbin and Leahy, along with 3% of the Philippines, raving about?” he added.

However, Senator De Lima insisted that the entry-ban was included in the 2020 US budget and she even taught Nieto how to find it.

This is what De Lima said on her series of tweets:

Let me summarize in 4 simple steps:

Step 1. Look at the Final Bill, which refers to the Explanatory Statement.

Step 2. Now, look at the Explanatory Statement, which makes reference to the House and Senate SFOPs bill Reports.

— Leila de Lima (@SenLeiladeLima) December 28, 2019

“Step 1. Look at the Final Bill, which refers to the Explanatory Statement.

Step 2. Now, look at the Explanatory Statement, which makes reference to the House and Senate SFOPs bill Reports.

Step 4. Go back to the Explanatory Statement and ask yourself—does it specifically negate the language you found on page 93? You will see that it does not.

Therefore, the entry ban is in effect.

In short, it’s not fake news.

— Leila de Lima (@SenLeiladeLima) December 28, 2019

Step 3. Look at the Senate SFOPs bill Report, specifically top of page 93. There you will see what you are looking for. It’s the “Prohibition on Entry” provision which specifically mentions, and made applicable to, my situation.

Step 4. Go back to the Explanatory Statement and ask yourself—does it specifically negate the language you found on page 93? You will see that it does not. Therefore, the entry ban is in effect. In short, it’s not fake news.”

A netizen made a lengthy post trying to explain the possible reason why President Rodrigo Duterte decided to respond to the entry ban of the U.S against the government official who is involved in the detention of Senator Leila De Lima by requiring the Americans to get a visa before visiting the Philippines.

Noel Landero Sarifa posted a photo of some key members of the opposition and some businessman who received criticisms from the President, it also includes his lengthy theory on the recent moves of Duterte.

He claimed that the entry-ban of the U.S could affect not only the Filipinos but also the Americans who believe that their country is already interfering with other nation’s affairs.

Sarifa believes that President Duterte already knows what America could do to the country that’s why he criticized the superpower many times in his speeches, including former US President Barack Obama.

“Most of us wonder why would Duterte cursed a US president, refuse their international aid, remove US army. The smoke is getting clearer now, he knows somethings that we don’t know. He was angered by US dictating all our actions, meddling with our internal affairs, everything is slowly coming into light. Duterte oversee these before anyone else when others thought that we are being sold with China and Russia. Why there is a sudden shift? Duterte knows that the enemy is within the country controlled by the oligarch and the United States,” said Sarifa.

“Duterte knows this time will come, that the United States will oppress us and will prove that we are nothing without them. Duterte will never allow this, when he was elected, first things first before he will reveal evils in this country, he needs to make sure he will have an ally, so he will not suffer what former Pres. Marcos endured. He cemented his ground that he is a President for the people and his country. He established our relationship with China, Russia, and other ASEAN countries,” he added.

He even described President Duterte playing a chess game against the opposition and the chief executive “checkmated” his opponents.

“I am very much amused how this great chess game unfold before our eyes, how Duterte was able to weigh things out masterfully and again and again, come up victorious! Indeed his intelligence is way beyond our comprehension, sometimes we question his actions as to why? Because we cannot see, we cannot foresee and we do not have the wisdom that he has,” he said.

Several days ago, Malacanang said that they would require all Americans to get a visa before entering the country of the US enforced the entry ban against the accusers of Sen. De Lima.

The President also ordered to ban the American Senators proposed the said entry ban from visiting the Philippines.

One of the new trains owned by Philippine National Railways (PNR) almost received damage after they discovered that solid objects blocked the rail they’re using.

In a photo posted by the Department of Transporation (DOTr), it showed several solid objects like metal roofing, bamboo sticks, and even a used tire blocking the rail.

Fortunately, the driver of the new train stopped before it reaches the pile of trash that could cause damage to the brand new train.

The photo was taken in Sampaloc Area in Manila.

DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications Goddes Hope Libiran condemned the said incident saying that they’re already cooperating with the authorities to catch the people behind the sabotaging of train operations.

“We are now closely coordinating with the proper law enforcement authorities to immediately investigate and hold responsible for these hooligans and misfits,” said Libiran.

“The TRAINS are owned by the Filipino people, and we all should do our part in helping their maintenance and upkeep, and help ensure that we protect these infrastructure investments so that the majority of our fellow citizens may enjoy their long term use,” she added.

She also clarified that the newly bought PNR trains were not damaged during the series of stone-throwing incidents recorded from December 2 to 21.

However, they said that one of the new trains by PNR which bought from Indonesia almost received damage after some people blocked the rail with solid objects.

“Fortunately, the new trains from Indonesia were not one of those which were damaged, though there were serious attempts to damage the same by dumping debris along its path,” she said.

Libiran also asked the people for their cooperation and report anyone who’s trying to sabotage the operations of the train.

“As we institute measures to reinforce the protection of public property, we would also like to seek the cooperation of the public to help us in reporting these dangerous misdeeds. Your support and assistance will go a long way in helping us put a stop to this nonsensical activity that only endangers lives and property,” she said

“There is no place in society for these dastardly acts, especially at a time when your government is doing everything it can to provide the riding public with modern transport infrastructure,” she added.

The stone-throwing incident of PNR trains received criticisms from the netizens especially when they got informed that some minors are involved in the incident.

One minor caught even said that they’re throwing stones at trains for “fun”.

Former Senator JV Ejercito couldn’t hide his anger over the news about the people throwing stones and garbages at the trains of Philippine National Railways (PNR).

On a Tweet, Ejercito said that he was saddened by the incident because the money used to buy the new trains is from the taxpayers.

“This makes me very, very sad. We alloted taxpayers money to purchase the new trains only to be stoned! Nakakagalit!!!” Ejercito twitted.

The followers of the former Senator also expressed their disappointment with the said incidents.

“Tapos the irony is hindi taxpayers ang nambato. and they have the guts to ask the government for all the benefits, 4Ps, free housing, free etc, again paid for by the taxpayers,” netizen @lexxizvasquez said.

“Yan napapala ng demokrasya. Pag hinuli lalo na kabataan involve, papakialaman ng mga kadamay at CHR!” netizen @LPSalot wrote.

“Kaya di umunlad unlad ang pinas. Kahit dito samin yung walang magawa binabato yung dumadaan na sasakyan tapos sabay tago,” netizen @mykeDota remarked.

“Di ko na talaga maintindihan ang mga pilipino. Daming hinihiling para maging maayos sila sila din ang sumisira. Ano ba talaga gusto niyo?” netizen @paulbarzy commented.

Last week, PNR reported 14 incidents of people throwing rocks and other solid objects to their trains.

One minor caught said that they’re only doing it for “fun”.

Authorities said that they don’t have any choice but to free the culprit if they’re minor.

“Wala ring maibigay na magandang dahilan kasi minsan, isang katuwaan. Pinagsabihan ‘yung magulang na pagsabihan yung anak,” PNR OIC Spokesperson Crissy Ecalnea said.

Meanwhile, they’re pushing to make sabotaging of train operations is unlawful to discourage the people from doing the said bad act again to PNR.

The government is planning to require Americans to get a visa before traveling to the Philippines if the US enforced the entry ban of Filipino officials involved in the detention of Senator Leila De Lima.

In an interview, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that all Americans are going to get a visa first before entering the Philippine territory as their response to the 2020 budget signed by US President Donald Trump.

The said budget includes a provision that gave authorization to the US Secretary of State to ban Filipino officials involved in De Lima’s detention.

“Should a ban from entry into US territory be enforced against Philippine officials involved in – or by reason of – Senator de Lima’s lawful detention, this government will require all Americans intending to come to the Philippines to apply and secure a visa before they can enter Philippine territory,” he said.

Panelo also revealed that the two American senators who proposed the said provisions, Senators Dick Durbin and Patrick Leahy are not allowed to visit the Philippines anymore.

“The President is immediately ordering the Bureau of Immigration to deny US Senators Dick Durbin and Patrick Leahy, the imperious, uninformed and gullible American legislators who introduced the subject provision in the US 2020 Budget, entry to the Philippines,” he added.

Panelo said that they don’t have any choice but to respond if the US enforce the ban against De Lima’s accusers.

“Lahat. Kung ie-enforce nila. Yun ang colatilla doon. If they will enforce this provision, in the US budget, then we will be compelled to require all Americans to secure a visa before they can be allowed entry,” he said.

“Napakaswerte nga sila, hindi sila binibigyan ng visa samantalang tayo nagpapakahirap. Masyado silang nagging privileged,” he added.

Panelo told the US Government not to interfere with the Philippine government which handling the case of De Lima.

“No other state can dictate upon our officials, judges, and justices the method upon which we enforce or interpret our laws vis-à-vis those who are believed to have committed a violation against the same,” he said.

The Spokesperson said that Duterte also refused the invitation of President Trump to visit America.

While the netizens are praising the Department of Transportation (DOTr) by trying to revive the Philippine National Railways (PNR), several people, including minors, are allegedly trying to sabotage its operations.

According to PNR, they reported 14 incidents of people throwing rocks to the running trains owned by PNR, which endangers the safety of the people using their service.

PNR OIC Spokesperson Crissy Ecalnea said that there’s a difficulty in catching the people throwing rocks at their trains.

“Mahirap kasing manghuli o mag-identify noong sa stoning incidents kasi naglalakbay ‘yung tren. And then usually ‘yung mga tao, nagtatago sila,” Ecalnea said.

However, one culprit was caught by the authorities and discovered that it’s a teenager.

The minor suspect said that they’re only doing it for fun.

The authorities don’t have any choice but to free him and just remind the parents of the suspect not to do the same thing again.

“Wala ring maibigay na magandang dahilan kasi minsan, isang katuwaan. Pinagsabihan ‘yung magulang na pagsabihan yung anak,” Ecalnea said.

Because of the recent incidents, PNR said that they’re pushing for a bill that would make sabotaging train operations unlawful.

They said that they wanted to give additional punishment to the people throwing rocks at their trains because they’re prioritizing the safety of the passengers.

“Pag nabato siya, may tendency siya na ‘yung mga bubog o ‘yung glass niya, mag-shatter doon sa mga tao, tamaan ‘yung mga tao. So isa ‘yon sa added layer na ginagawa natin temporarily,” she said.

The rock-throwing incident also halted the plan operations of new trains to reach Alabang station.

“Next week you will see this train running on the PNR system… FTI to Malabon (stations). Gusto nga ho naming isama yung Alabang, kaya lang ho dinelay muna namin,” Tugade said.

“Kasi ang nangyayari ho ‘don sa Alabang, kailangang sabihin ko it…. ‘pag dumaan ‘yong linya ng tren sa Alabang, binabato, tinitirador. So it puts into jeopardy the safety of the riding public, ngayon ho titiradorin ho ‘wag muna natin padaanin ‘yong bagong train, hulihin muna yung mga animal na ‘to,” he added.

Netizens expressed disappointment over the rock-throwing incidents at PNR.

“This is why Filipinos, don’t deserve new things. Salaula talaga at walang Modo,” a netizen said.