Former PCSO chairman apologizes to opposition bets-turned-senators

MANILA, Philippines – Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) chairman Manuel “Manoling” Morato apologized for the statements he said against some opposition candidates during the last elections, including now elected Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Teofisto Guingona III.

“I would just like to ask for your forgiveness for what I said in that comedy show. It was a comedy show: “Dial M” by the way,” Morato said before the Senate blue ribbon committee concluded the hearing on Tuesday.

“So would you please kindly accept my forgiveness for Sen. Escudero as well? I didn’t mean anything. I was a comedy show,” he said.

He was referring to a television show played during the hearing in which he criticized Escudero and Guingona, who both ran with the opposition group during the May 2010 elections.

“Are you a comedian?” asked Senator Franklin Drilon to which Morato answered, “At times, I am.”

But Drilon said, “Being a comedian does not exempt you from violation of the election code let me tell you that.”

“As long as I’ve been forgiven, it is alright with me,” Morato said.

Guingona, who presided over the hearing, immediately accepted Morato’s apology.

“Nothing personal, nothing personal. I accept your apology sir,” said the senator.