The riveting saga of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s break-up has eclipsed the week’s consequential news, leaving pressing national issues lurking in the shadows like forgotten supporting characters. 

As Congress contemplates canceling the broadcast franchise of SMNI, the Philippines contemplates a return to the International Criminal Court, and Comelec bans Smartmatic with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, the public’s attention remains steadfastly fixated on the disintegration of a showbiz power couple.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential funds and looming impeachment take a backseat, akin to a forgotten subplot in a telenovela. 

The long-awaited release of former Senator Leila de Lima, once a headline-stealer, is now reduced to a cameo 

appearance in the grand soap opera of celebrity heartbreak. 

It seems that in the theater of public interest, political upheavals and societal milestones are mere extras, as the nation collectively gasps and grieves over the demise of another fairy-tale romance. The only thing missing is the proclamation by Malacanang of a Kathniel non-working holiday to give Pinoys yet another three-day long weekend.

Priorities, it seems, are just as elusive as true love in the world of sensationalism.