Senator Pia Cayetano expressed frustration over online bashing targeting national athletes.

The Senator said that if someone wins, the whole country rejoices. However, when someone loses, the bashers will be there. Hence, she asked if they can be jailed because she believes that Filipino athletes don’t deserve that treatment from their fellow Filipinos.

“And then the whole country rejoices when you win. And then may magba-bash pa pag natalo. Like pwede bang pakulong na yung mga yan? I mean you don't deserve it really,” she said

“Sumbong niyo sa akin. Isa-isahin ko sila. Magpupuyat ako gabi-gabi na balikan ko yang mga yan,” she added

The senator made the statement during a post-evaluation hearing of the Senate Committee on Sports, regarding the participation of Filipino athletes in the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

The hearing also tackled government funding and support for athletes.

Meanwhile, Malacañang earlier stated to investigate the reported concerns over Filipino athletes, reiterating that Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains committed to ensuring national athletes receive sufficient support from the government.

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