Censorship Debate Rises Over Dinagyang Show ‘Cussing’

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo City Councilor Rex Sarabia has taken a dissenting position in the ongoing debate over singer Juan Karlos (JK) Labajo’s use of an expletive during a Dinagyang Festival 2025 side event. Sarabia’s stance contrasts with colleagues who initially sought sanctions against Labajo for his controversial performance.

The issue arose after Labajo used the Ilonggo phrase “yudipota,” derived from the Spanish expression “hijo de puta” (translated as “son of a bitch”), in his song “Ere” during a concert at Iloilo Business Park on Jan. 24. The performance received mixed reactions from the public and local officials.

While several city council members criticized Labajo’s choice of words, Sarabia, representing the youth bloc, defended the artist’s freedom of expression, saying he did not find the performance offensive.

“I fully understand where my colleagues are coming from, [but] I honestly don’t find the performance offensive,” Sarabia wrote in an online statement on Jan. 30.

He argued that while Dinagyang is a cultural-religious festival, the concert was not directly tied to any religious rites.

“It was in the context of a concert where the religious aspect of the Dinagyang remains an indirect background element. In fact, across the city during the festivities, other unsightly behaviors were observed but were not condemned,” he pointed out, adding that public figures have used similar language in the past without repercussions.

Sarabia warned that a resolution demanding a public apology from Labajo could be seen as censorship and a form of punishment for free speech.

He acknowledged, however, that Labajo’s choice of words, while likely an artistic expression, could have been more tactful given the festival’s context.

Mayor Jerry Treñas was the first to criticize Labajo’s performance, calling the use of expletives inappropriate and stating that such language should not be tolerated.

Councilor Ely Estante subsequently announced plans to propose a resolution demanding a public apology from Labajo and stricter guidelines for future events by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI). Estante referenced a similar incident in 2024 involving a social media influencer who made inappropriate remarks during the Dinagyang countdown.

Meanwhile, Councilor Alan Zaldivar, who initially planned to deliver a privilege speech on the issue, clarified why he did not push through with it.

“First, I couldn’t schedule the speech. Second, I did not distribute copies to my fellow council members. Lastly, I don’t want to set a precedent where I can act, but others cannot,” Zaldivar said in a Jan. 30 interview.

He emphasized that his sentiments had already been expressed in interviews and remained optimistic that measures would prevent similar incidents in future events.

Zaldivar also mentioned that the IFFI had committed to introducing solutions for concert regulation during Dinagyang festivities.

“We will strengthen our religious and cultural sensitivity measures. JK Labajo is still welcome to perform in Iloilo City, provided certain protocols are followed and proper perspectives are considered,” he added, noting that the IFFI will decide whether a public apology is necessary.

The Iloilo City Council’s Committee on Tourism, chaired by Councilor Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, is set to meet with event organizers and the IFFI to discuss regulatory measures for future Dinagyang celebrations.

“We will gather all stakeholders to discuss necessary improvements—not just about the JK incident but in general,” Ganzon said.

He emphasized the need to balance entertainment with respect for the cultural and religious aspects of the festival.

“We don’t want to dampen the enthusiasm of Dinagyang, but we must ensure proper regulations are in place,” he added.

The IFFI and city officials have yet to finalize their decision on the matter.