Hidilyn Diaz said she has “forgiven” Malacañang for wrongfully including her in the 2019 ‘oust Duterte’ matrix.
“Yes, napatawad ko,” she said in an ANC interview on Thursday.
The gold medalist shared she was bashed and even received threats after she was involved in the issue.
“Sa totoo lang, after winning the gold medal, nung time na ‘yun, sabi ko, I have to forgive all of the people na binash ako and my life. Na-threat ako. ‘Yun ‘yung down moment ko,” Hidilyn said.
“Pero, a’yun nga, na-realize ko na ‘yun ang nagpalakas din sa akin eh. As an athlete, mas lalo akong naging determinado. Mas lalo kong minahal ang Pilipinas,” she added.
[To be honest, after winning the gold medal — at that time, I said I have to forgive all of the people who bashed me. I was threatened. That was a down moment for me. But I realized it also made me stronger. As an athlete, it made me more determined. It made me love the Philippines more.]
“So thankful din ako sa kanila kasi, kung siguro wala akong ganon na trials, baka hindi ako maging gold medalist today.”
Hidilyn ‘forgives’ Malacañang for including her in ‘oust Duterte’ matrix
[So I’m also thankful to them because if I didn’t go through that trial, I might not have become a gold medalist.]
When asked if she still would have wanted an apology from Malacanang, Hidilyn said she preferred to “move forward.”
[For me now, an apology is no longer needed. At the end of the day, I value my peace of mind more. So as long as I’m able to move forward and I have been able to serve and represent the Philippines well, I am happy.]
“And hindi ko kailangan na sinasabi ng iba, kasi alam ko kung ano ang totoo. Para sa’kin, ‘yun ang importante, at may peace of mind ako.”
[I know the truth. However, my peace of mind is most important for me.]
Later, Panelo said he regrets “if Diaz was hurt” in the alleged matrix.
“But I’m sorry, I’m sad to know that Hidilyn was hurt, I’m sorry for that, kawawa naman.”
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