In a passionate and fiery speech, comedian, actor, and former politician Anjo Yllana vented his anger against personalities connected to the current administration, including Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Claire Castro, and even his former foe Senator Raffy Tulfo. While not directly criticizing the President, his extraordinary speech centered on a controversial suggestion: that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) undergo a hair follicle test to completely dispel the shadow of accusations of illegal drug use.

Yllana’s statement was not just a simple criticism; it was a fiery defense of her identity and rights as an ordinary Filipino. In her speech, she began by responding to Atty. Claire Castro, who allegedly stated that Yllana had “no right” to suggest such an action for the President. Castro’s comment, according to Yllana, seemed like a harsh criticism that trampled on her dignity.

“ It hurts to speak, Auntie Claire. Yes, I don’t know if that’s what the president really said… ” was his introduction, indicating disappointment at the intensity of the reaction to his simple suggestion.

The Heart of Democratic Rights

At the heart of Yllana’s defense is his belief in the foundations of democracy. For him, criticizing or making suggestions to those in government is not just a privilege but a right of every citizen.

“ It is the right of every Filipino to be heard in the government. It is a right that you listen to us, ” he emphatically insisted.

His call for a hair follicle test was not an attack, but a “simple suggestion” aimed at helping the administration clear the President’s name in the eyes of the public. Yllana pointed to the rampant social media chatter—the “bangag-bangag” comments—which he said were becoming irritating to the ears and embarrassing in other countries.

This is why, according to Yllana, the hair follicle test should not be seen as a doubt, but rather as an important tool to “ disprove ” all accusations and suspicions. A negative result would be the most effective way to silence critics and bashers.

“ I am defending the President here, eh… because it is irritating to the ears, it is embarrassing to other countries that they have the notion or suspicion that our president might be being used, ” he explained. In Yllana’s view, doubting the President is doubting the entire country, so proving his cleanliness is an act that concerns the honor of the Philippines . He presented his proposal as an “assistance” to the government, a way to “elevate the president,” just like the administration’s call for cooperation.

The Shadow of the Past: Raffy Tulfo and Defamation

Yllana’s current fight against officials has also allowed him to reopen a wound from the past—his conflict with Senator Raffy Tulfo.

In his statement, Yllana recalled the incident where Tulfo allegedly defamed his name and his school . This school, according to Yllana, provides tuition-free education to many students. The allegation against Yllana was a form of defamation that caused great damage to his reputation and his advocacy.

“ My name was ruined. The school was ruined. We had a lot of free education, no tuition, ” he recalled, expressing the depth of the injustice he felt.

He pointed out that there are lawyers, such as Atty. Claire Castro herself when she was not a Malacañang official, and Atty. Labayan, who defended him and insisted that Tulfo’s accusations were wrong.

“ Just watch Auntie Claire Castro and Raffy Tulfo talk about my school so you can see what Raffy Tulpo did to me, ” Yllana challenged, confirming that the case was documented and that it was proven that she did nothing wrong.

These events have given weight to her current fight for rights, as she has personal experience being the victim of “defamation” or cyber libel , a case she is advised to file against Tulfo. The connection between the two conflicts—the past and the present—shows that Anjo Yllana does not hesitate to defend herself and her principles against anyone in high position.

The Confession and the Principle

Amidst the heated debate, Yllana admitted her political identity. “ I admit, I’m still a DDS, ” she confessed, referring to her former support for former President Rodrigo Duterte.

But he quickly clarified that his past political preferences should not be used to sway his current suggestion. Being a DDS does not mean he no longer “cares about the government.” In fact, his perspective appears to be more patriotic than partisan.

“ I really want to help you, eh. I want to erase from people’s minds the idea that the president is doing drugs. So go get a hair follicle test. Show them, ‘There, negative!’ so your bashers will shut up about it, ” was his strong appeal.

He describes himself as an “ordinary citizen” who “feels for those below.” His perspective comes from the point of view of ordinary people affected by rumors and controversies. His call for transparency and accountability is a signal that the public needs reassurance from their leaders.

In closing, Yllana returned to the issue of credibility that Castro allegedly threw at him. “ I have no credibility? That is your opinion. This is a free country. We are in a democratic country , ” he said boldly. For him, Castro’s or anyone else’s personal opinion cannot be law or basis to stop a citizen from expressing their opinion.

This emotional statement by Anjo Yllana is more than a simple clash of personalities. It shows a deep concern for the state of the country and a fierce defense of his personal reputation. Yllana stands firm in his proposal, insisting that a step towards proving cleanliness is a step towards restoring trust and dignity, not only for the President, but for the entire country. Ultimately, his fight reflects the fight of every Filipino for the right to speak and be heard. This chapter is sure to spark deeper and more heated discussions in the days to come.