Joshua Garcia unfollows Sara Duterte after impeachment repost sparks backlash

Actor faces online criticism over impeachment trial clip, later removes content and unfollows VP amid political speculation.

Actor Joshua Garcia found himself at the center of online discussions after social media users noticed that he had reposted a TikTok video featuring highlights from the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte before the Senate.

The TikTok clip, originally uploaded on July 11, compiled key moments from the first three days of the impeachment proceedings. It also included hashtags such as #SaraDuterte, #VPSara, #PRRD, #DDS, and #Duterte. Titled “My Favorite Highlights from Sara’s Impeachment Trial (Days 1–3),” the video has since garnered millions of views on the platform.

Screenshots of Garcia’s repost quickly spread across X triggering widespread reactions and speculation about the actor’s political views. Some netizens alleged that the repost reflected support for the Duterte camp, while others pointed to his previous decision to follow Vice President Duterte and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on social media. 

The discussion also revived criticism over his endorsement of the Construction Workers Solidarity Partylist, headed by Rep. Edwin Gardiola.

The issue drew mixed reactions online. While some users expressed disappointment and accused the actor of supporting the Duterte political camp, others defended Garcia, saying that reposting content or following public figures does not necessarily indicate political affiliation or endorsement.

By Monday, Garcia had reportedly unfollowed the social media accounts of Vice President Duterte and removed content related to the issue from his TikTok activity. However, as of Monday night, July 20, the actor had yet to release an official statement addressing the controversy or explaining the repost.

Meanwhile, the Senate continues to convene as an impeachment court to hear the case against Duterte. She is facing allegations that include culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other impeachable offenses. Through her legal team, Duterte has denied all of the accusations.

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