Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said Friday that there was “nothing malicious” in his question to Gilas Pilipinas Women’s prospect Elizabeth Jeanette Means about having a Filipino boyfriend, which led to a lighthearted exchange with Senator Francis Pangilinan.
Estrada drew criticism online after jokingly suggesting Pangilinan, whose wife is Sharon Cuneta, might want to “apply.”
He explained that the question was part of the Senate hearing on Means’ naturalization, aimed at understanding whether applicants intend to settle permanently in the Philippines or establish a family.
Estrada noted that similar questions had been asked of other naturalization applicants, like basketball player Maodo “Malick” Diouf, in a conversational context.
He emphasized that the question was asked lightly and was not intended to be inappropriate or unprofessional.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 7, 2026
