JAJA Santiago defended herself from netizens claiming that she neglected her duty to play for the flag.
It has been two days since it was announced that her Japanese club team Ageo Medics would not allow the 6-foot-5 middle blocker to suit up for the national team, which will see action in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
The Medics will start their Japan V.Premier League campaign on October 27.
The news drew mixed reactions from volleyball fans on social media, with some showing their support for and others criticizing Santiago.
She wrote on Twitter, "Sino bang hindi malungkot kasi hindi makakalaro para sa sarili mong bayan? Kung ano nararamdaman niyo ay mas masahol pa ang nararamdaman ko."
The former UAAP MVP out of National University, who has been in Japan since September 30, asked everyone to broaden their understanding and take a closer look at her unique situation.
She added, "Bakit di natin tigilan ang pagkukumpara? Magkakaiba naman tayo diba? Magkaiba din naman siguro ang mga opportunity na nakukuha natin kaysa sa iba? Magkaiba ng kultura at pamamalakad. Bakit di nalang tayo sumuporta at kailangan pang manira at magsalita."
Santiago earlier insisted that her reason for skipping is not about money.
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