InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE, 9:20 a.m.) Far from his hot-tempered demeanor when he slapped and threw expletives at a traffic enforcer two weeks ago, a calm and apologetic Robert Carabuena went to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to say sorry and ask the public for a "second chance."
News5's Jun Loyola reported that Carabuena arrived at the MMDA office at around 8 a.m. Thursday with his lawyer. He stayed about five minutes and left after delivering his public apology in the presence of MMDA officers and personnel.
"Hindi po lingid sa karamihan ang aking ipinakitang hindi kagandahang asal (It's not unknown to many the bad behavior I showed)," Carabuena said. "Ako po ay humihingi ng kapatawaran (I ask for forgiveness)."
Click here to read the full text of Carabuena's apology
Carabuena said he didn't leave his home after the incident, which was caught on tape by the staff of TV5's T3 program, blew over the Internet, spurring discussions on the conduct of motorists and MMDA officers on the streets.
Carabuena said he wished to personally apologize to MMDA traffic enforcer Saturnino Fabros, who was not at the MMDA office at the time.
"Kung meron man akong hihiling sa puntong ito ay mabigyan po sana ako ng pangalawang pagkakataon (If I can ask for one thing at this point is to be given a second chance)," Carabuena said.
The suspended Philip Morris employee pleaded to MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino not to cancel his driver's license, saying he needs it for work.
Notwithstanding the apology, Tolentino said that a case of direct assault filed against Carabuena will push through, according to a tweet by MMDA Traffic Director Yves Gonzalez.
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