John Arcilla, matinding tirada sa “korap” na opisyal: “Ang hirap maging mahirap”
- John Arcilla criticized officials over the alleged treatment of a street fish vendor
- The actor reacted to a video showing a woman pouring soap and bleach on her fish
- Arcilla questioned policies he believes make life harder for struggling Filipinos
- He called on government officials to prioritize public service and help people rise from poverty
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Award-winning actor John Arcilla expressed strong criticism toward government officials he described as “corrupt” after reacting to a viral video involving a woman selling fish on the street.
Source: Facebook
Arcilla shared the video and his thoughts on Facebook on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The actor focused on the situation of ordinary Filipinos who are trying to earn money to survive, particularly those with limited capital and few options for making a living.
“‘Ang hirap maging mahirap’ sabi ni Nanay,” Arcilla wrote at the beginning of his post.
According to the actor, the woman in the video became upset after authorities allegedly moved to confiscate her fish because she was selling along the street. Arcilla also pointed out that the public market where the woman usually sold her goods was reportedly undergoing renovation.
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The situation prompted Arcilla to question how authorities treat small vendors and other people who are simply trying to make an honest living.
“Yung maliliit na tao, naghahanap-buhay at hindi nagnanakaw, kakarampot ang puhunan hinihigpitan at pinapahirapan pa talaga?” he asked.
Arcilla contrasted the treatment of struggling vendors with his criticism of officials accused of stealing public funds.
“Yung mga opisyal na bilyon-bilyon ang ninakaw sa perang hindi nila pinaghirapan, malayang nakakapagpiyansa at nakakagala pa samantalang galing sa pera ng bayan ang ninanakaw at ginagasta nila.”
He also sympathized with the woman, suggesting that people in similar situations may have borrowed money just to obtain the capital needed to sell goods and put food on the table.
“Kinakawawa ng mga Opisyal ng bayan ang mga kababayan natin sa halip na tinutulungan mabuhay ng marangal,” he said.
For Arcilla, the incident reflected a broader problem involving public policies and the treatment of ordinary citizens. He argued that government officials should focus on helping people overcome poverty, providing essential services, and improving society.
“Sa isang bayang korap, mga opisyal ang gumagasta ng perang dapat ay para sa serbisyo sa mamamayan. Wala na ngang pakinabang sa pamahalaan ang taong bayan, nakakaranas pa ng walang katapusang pagmaltrato at mga patakaran,” he said.
Arcilla also directed his criticism at lower-level enforcers who carry out government rules, urging them to consider the circumstances of fellow Filipinos who are struggling financially.
“Ang nakakabahala sa maliliit din na tagapagpatupad, pinapahirapan mo yung kapuwa mo mahirap, tapos pinagtatanggol mo at pinaglilingkuran yung mga opisyal na nagnanakaw ng perang dapat kayong mahihirap ang nakikinabang,” he concluded.
John Arcilla is an acclaimed Filipino actor and environmentalist best known for portraying General Antonio Luna in the historical biopic Heneral Luna. Celebrated as one of the country's finest performers, he made international history in 2021 by winning the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 78th Venice International Film Festival for his performance in On the Job: The Missing 8.
In another report, John Arcilla once again voiced his frustration over the country’s flooding situation and the actions of some government officials. In a Facebook post, the award-winning actor criticized Filipinos and public servants amid the flooding brought by the Habagat. Arcilla argued that some officials still fail to recognize the responsibility that comes with serving the people. He also questioned why some citizens continue to idolize political leaders despite what he described as shortcomings in their service. His latest remarks came after he previously called out voters who continue to support politicians he accused of corruption.
Meanwhile, John Arcilla also took aim at voters who continue to support politicians whom he described as corrupt. The actor connected their political choices to the deaths and flooding experienced during the monsoon rains. Arcilla said he wants the taxes he pays to be used in ways that benefit fellow Filipinos, which is one of the reasons he feels compelled to speak about issues involving the government. Despite his criticisms, he reiterated that he would rather call out government shortcomings than pursue a position in public office himself.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
