HOW true that Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid has been banned from performing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, after she allegedly refused to endorse administration bet Mar Roxas II in the 2016 presidential elections?
Rumors have been circulating on social media for several weeks now that Velasquez-Alcasid, currently seen in the popular primetime Kapuso teleserye “Poor Señorita,” reportedly turned down the offer following a misunderstanding on an issue involving the government.
The songstress, 46, reportedly got irked when President Benigno Aquino III did not attend the arrival honors for the slain Special Action Force (SAF) policemen who figured in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in January 2015.
Mr. Aquino then instead attended the inauguration of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Presidential sister Kris Aquino reportedly went to the wake of the slain policemen but was allegedly snubbed by some members of the family of the victims.
Roxas, namesake of his grandfather former President Manuel Roxas, is the administration’s candidate in the national elections. He is the son of Gerardo Manuel “Gerrry” Roxas and Judy Araneta Roxas.
Judy A. Roxas, who is an Araneta, is heir to Araneta Coliseum and other businesses. She is the daughter of J. Amado Araneta and Ester Araneta, founders of the Araneta group.
It would be recalled that Velasquez-Alcasid became close to the Aquinos when she campaigned for Benigno Aquino III in 2010.
Velasquez-Alcasid, then single, even sang at the inauguration of newly-installed President Aquino at the Luneta.
In 2015, she pointed out that she will not endorse any political candidates for 2016.
Alcasid, husband of Regine, is an ally of President Aquino who appointed him as commissioner of People Power Commission.
Unconfirmed reports said that Alcasid wanted to endorse presidential aspirant Grace Poe but could not do so because he was holding a government position.
Poe, who was ranked No. 3 in the 2016 elections based on partial and unofficial tally, has also conceded to Duterte.
The management of the Araneta Group has not issued a statement on the controversy involving the singer.
Roxas is rank No. 2 in the 2016 presidential elections. He has conceded to presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte last Tuesday. Roxas has wished Duterte success.