High-paying pro-Duterte and pro-China SMNI hosts, Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, have declared their intent to go on a hunger strike while in detention at the House of Representatives.

The announcement drew mixed reactions from netizens, with many responding skeptically to, and even mocking, their protest.

The controversy unfolded after both Badoy and Celiz were cited in contempt by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises on Tuesday.

The committee accused them of “refusal to answer questions in a relevant inquiry” and “acting in a disrespectful manner” during the investigation into allegations of fake news peddling and red-tagging.

Badoy, a vocal China-sympathizing figure, expressed her reasons for the hunger strike in a statement, saying, “I am joining Ka Eric in a hunger strike to protest yesterday’s travesty that was a direct offshoot of the infiltration of the CPP NPA NDF inside Congress and to also hold those in power accountable to the Filipino people.”

She further lamented the perceived infringement on their democratic right to free expression and the erosion of freedom of the press.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco assured the public that both SMNI hosts are under medical supervision as they carry out their hunger strike. “Ongoing hunger strike, but under our medical supervision to ensure their good health condition,” he stated in a text message.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, netizens took to social media to mock the hunger strike threat.

One user suggested, “Sana samahan sila ni Roque at Panelo. Pati na din si Sassot. Kawawa naman sila,” referencing other controversial figures.

Another user sarcastically commented, “Isama nyo na Rin sa hunger strike si Humpty Dumpty Roque pra pumayat naman. #YesToSMNIShutdown.”

Several netizens expressed indifference to the protest, with one remarking, “La kame pake. Kahit magka-ulcer pa sila kakahunger strike. Drink your poison.”

Others questioned the hosts’ strategy, stating, “Now they will be acting as victims,” and doubting the effectiveness of their hunger strike in garnering sympathy.

The online discourse continued, with netizens emphasizing their skepticism and disbelief, echoing sentiments like, “So you think people will go on your side by doing hunger strike?? People are LAUGHING,” and “Do they want to get sympathy from the people? I think no one cares.”