CEBU Gov. Hilario Davide III yesterday confirmed that he gave only P100 to the grandmother of a 13-year-old Cebuano who sought his financial support to bankroll the boy’s participation in the recently concluded The Voice Kids singing competition.
He said the hundred-peso bill was the last money he had in his pocket when Juan Karlos Labajo’s grandmother went to the governor’s office to seek his help before the start of the competition’s semi-finals in early July.
Labajo, who hails from Consolacion town, made it to the finals and placed third in the reality singing competiton.
“Let me congratulate him for placing third. The Consolacianons are proud of him as well as Cebuanos,” Davide said.
Netizens were abuzz over the weekend after the half-German Labajo candidly mentioned in a television interview that his family sought Davide’s help and received P100.
Sarcasm
Netizens were divided whether the revelation of the 13-year-old was an innocent remark or said with sarcasm.
“P100 or P200, it was the last money in my wallet. Sorry if he found it too little,” Davide said with a smile yesterday.
“Many people come to my office for financial assistance. When his grandmother came here, she did not specify what contest. Ninghatag na lang pud ko. Mao ra gyud akong mahatag. Gamay ra gyud intawn (I just gave whatever I had. That was really a pittance),” he explained as he opened his wallet to emphasize his point to reporters.
During the televised gossip show, The Buzz, which was aired over the weekend, host Toni Gonzaga gave the show’s guests time to thank their supporters.
Big help
When Labajo’s turn came, he made mention of the Cebu governor’s contribution.
“Noong semi-finals po ng The Voice Kids, humingi po ako ng tulong sa governor namin tapos binigyan po kami ng P100. Malaking tulong po (During the semi-finals of The Voice Kids, we asked the governor’s help and we were given P100. That was a big help),” he said.
Davide said many people visit him for all sorts of financial assistance.
Unfortunately, he could not satisfy everybody as he could not charge the expense against the Capitol coffers.
He said whatever he gives out comes from his own pocket.
Labajo joined The Voice Kids to dedicate his singing talent to his late mother who died in 2013.
He emerged as one of the top four finalists.
Lyca Gairanod won the competition.
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Davide apologizes to Voice contestant for small cash aid.