Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri has apologized to the family of Maria Lourdes Carvajal, popularly known as Inday Badiday, following criticism over his use of the late television personality’s name during a Senate plenary session.
The apology came after I.C. Mendoza, Carvajal’s grandson, publicly questioned Zubiri’s remarks and called on public figures not to use his grandmother’s name in political commentaries and analogies.
During a heated debate in the Senate, Zubiri asked whether lawmakers had become “Inday Badiday” in response to claims that the chamber was beginning to resemble a circus.
The remark drew attention online and prompted criticism from members of Carvajal’s family.
In a social media post, Zubiri explained that the statement was a “slip of the tongue” made in the middle of an intense discussion on the Senate floor.
The senator acknowledged his mistake and said he would be more careful with the words he uses in future debates.
Zubiri also clarified that he holds Carvajal in high regard and respects her legacy in Philippine entertainment.
He said he grew up watching Inday Badiday on television and described her as an important figure in Philippine pop culture who was admired by many Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson defended Carvajal’s reputation, saying the “Queen of Intrigues” was both authentic and credible.
Lacson added that Carvajal should not be compared to what he described as editorialized propaganda that had been presented by Sen. Imee Marcos.
Following Zubiri’s public apology, Mendoza issued another statement saying that he and his family accepted the senator’s apology.
The exchange ended with both sides acknowledging the clarification, while the discussion highlighted concerns over the use of public figures’ names in political debates and commentary.
