Nothing malicious about ‘Pinoy boyfriend’ comment – JinggoyMANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on Friday downplayed criticisms of his questions to a basketball player seeking naturalization before the Senate, describing his comments as nothing more than “friendly banter.”He drew backlash after teasing Gilas prospect Elizabeth Jeanette Means during a Senate justice committee hearing about having a Filipino boyfriend and jokingly linking her to fellow senator Kiko Pangilinan. Estrada clarified that his jokes with Pangilinan were lighthearted and based on a long-standing personal relationship with his family and his wife, the “Megastar” actor Sharon Cuneta. “It was simply a friendly banter between Sen. Francis Pangilinan and myself,” Estrada said. The senator said the idea for the question came up because of another athlete, Maodo “Malick” Diouf, who is also seeking naturalization. Netizens said it was an inappropriate comment to make, especially on Women’s Month.

Source: Philippine Star March 08, 2026 02:22 UTC