Social media, public space, Gen Z terms, and humor collided in the episode of KIKONEK as Senator Kiko Pangilinan sat down with content creator Nathan Portez for a relatable cross-generational conversation.
The episode brought together two personalities from very different worlds — Pangilinan’s calm, reflective style and Portez’s famously “super OA” online persona — to talk about one of the internet’s most controversial realities: cancel culture.
But instead of another online shout fest, the conversation was surprisingly honest, funny, and introspective.
“Many among the Gen Z see cancel culture as a way to demand accountability.”
Portez shared how many among the Gen Z see cancel culture as a way to demand accountability, but warned that it can quickly spiral into blind hatred and mob mentality.
The veteran legislator, meanwhile, reflected on the dangers of misinformation and instant judgment in today’s hyper-digital world, especially as fake news and manipulated videos spread rapidly online.
As someone who has repeatedly faced disinformation attacks, the seasoned legislator spoke candidly about discernment and choosing to stand firm despite the noise, recalling a quote from Nobel Laureate and Rappler co-founder Maria Ressa: “While falsehood and lies travel faster than the truth, hope and inspiration travel faster than lies.”
The episode also delivered moments that felt less like politics and more like real talk, touching on empathy, patience, and respect — values often lost in today’s online culture of instant judgment.
“We have to be strong for those who are weak. We have to be the voice for those who cannot speak. And we have to be brave for those who are afraid,” the senator said during the discussion.
“We have to be the voice for those who cannot speak.”
As the episode wrapped up, Pangilinan left viewers with one final message amid today’s toxic online climate: “Sa gitna ng fake news, disinformation, at paninira, manatili tayong matapang at matatag. Ipaglaban natin ang ating mga paniniwala at huwag mawalan ng pag-asa — tuloy lang.”
The full episode is available on YouTube and Spotify.
