MANILA, Philippines — Former Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Chair Greco Belgica weighed in on the increasingly public spat between Senator Robin Padilla and Ronald Llamas, a disagreement that has gained widespread attention across social media platforms.

In a short online post, Belgica humorously criticized how certain media outlets paired the images of Padilla and Llamas, writing, “Dear editors, wag nyo masyado idikit ang muka ni LLAMAS kay Robin Padilla. NAKAKAAWA :D” — translating roughly to “Don’t stick Llamas’ face too close to Robin Padilla. Pitiful.”

The feud reportedly started over the 2028 elections, with Llamas criticizing Padilla’s statement that he would consider running as Vice President if called upon by former President Duterte. Padilla responded sharply, and their exchange quickly became fodder for online discussion, including viral posts featuring juxtaposed images of the two men.

Belgica’s comment underscores a broader concern about the role of public spectacle in politics. Social media often amplifies conflicts between personalities rather than focusing on policy or governance, creating a culture where political debates are reduced to entertainment or mockery. While humor can offer levity, it also raises questions about public discourse and how citizens interpret political legitimacy.

This incident prompts reflection: In a digital age where political arguments go viral, are we observing healthy debate — or merely a spectacle that distracts from the issues that truly matter? (Larawan mula: Greco Belgica, Robin Padilla / Facebook)