Salamat, Kaibigan

Salamat, Kaibigan
After delivering his speech, Senator Revilla hugs Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada, his co-accused in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam
English nameThank You, Friends
DateJune 9, 2014 (2014-06-09)
Time3:30 pm
Duration30 minutes (scheduled)
38 minutes (actual)
VenueSenate of the Philippines
LocationPasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
ThemePriority Development Assistance Fund scam
ParticipantsRamon "Bong" Revilla, Jr.
FootageRappler coverage
Websitespeech transcript

Salamat, Kaibigan ("Thank You, Friends")[1] is a privilege speech delivered by Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. on the floor of the Senate of the Philippines on June 9, 2014, in response to charges being filed against him at the Sandiganbayan due to his alleged involvement in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam. It is one of two privilege speeches Revilla has delivered on the scam, with the other speech being delivered in January 2014. In the speech, Revilla attempts to settle his differences with President Benigno Aquino III and his allies, claiming that they have a common interest in improving the Philippines, that there are more important issues that have to be tackled, and that he is not complicit in the scam.[2][3]

Although Revilla claimed that he delivered the speech for the people,[4] the reaction to the speech was largely negative, especially on social media, where netizens reacted with "amusement, anger and disbelief".[5] He later apologized to those who felt disgusted over his performance—in particular over a song he played towards the end of the speech—saying that the song, and the speech in general, was meant for his supporters rather than his critics,[6] and he understands the reaction elicited online.[7]

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