Former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Rita Gaviola, also known as “Badjao Girl,” has spoken out against jokes about the Badjao community made during an episode of the podcast KoolPals.
In Episode 1014 of the podcast on August 10, the discussion focused on flooding in Metro Manila, with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon as a guest.
The conversation later turned to jokes involving the Badjao community and flooding, which Gaviola said were hurtful and should not be treated as a source of entertainment.
In a video posted on Facebook on August 13, Gaviola stressed that Badjao people are Filipinos like everyone else and should not be belittled or discriminated.
Meanwhile, netizens had mixed reactions to the issue, with some supporting Gaviola’s stance while others said the remarks were made as part of a comedy podcast.
(Photo Courtesy: Screengrab from Rita Gaviola video on FB)
