JANUARY 14, 2026 — Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro has turned to the National Bureau of Investigation after former Palace press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles posted remarks on social media that she believes went beyond criticism and into the realm of a death threat. The incident now raises bigger questions about how far free speech can go in the Philippines before it becomes dangerous.

The post, still visible on Angeles’ page, contained this chilling remark: “Sana rin, sa bagong taong ito, maintindihan mo na oras na nilaglag ka ng humans mo, appendix at coccyx mo lang ang walang latay, resulta ng mga pinagagagawa mo.” 

(I hope you understand that once you are dropped by your masters, only your appendix and coccyx will be left without bruises, as a result of what you have been doing).

Castro didn’t mince words: “Of course I was scared. I am not used to death threats. Saying that only parts of my body will be left unhurt means something else. That is already a threat to my life.”

When does free expression become dangerous? Castro herself reminded critics, “Freedom of expression does not require threatening someone’s life. No discourse is resolved through violence or threats.”

The dark side of digital discourse

This incident forces us to confront the uneasy balance between online speech and accountability. Social media has become the new plaza Miranda — open, noisy, and often brutal. But when words start resembling weapons, should we shrug them off as “just opinions”? Or should we demand responsibility from those who wield influence online?

Filipinos thrive on debate, but we also know how easily heated words can spill into real harm. If even government officials feel unsafe, what more ordinary citizens who face harassment daily?

The issue isn’t just about Claire Castro or Trixie Cruz-Angeles — it’s about us, the public, and the kind of discourse we allow to flourish in our digital spaces.

In the end, freedom of speech must never be confused with freedom to threaten lives. 

If this is what online discourse has become, imagine being the target — would you still call it free speech, or would you be outraged by the sheer gall?

(Image: Philippine News Agency)