PCOO exec apologizes to Pacquiao over ‘hurtful’ FB post

An official of Malacañang has apologized to Senator Manny Pacquiao for a Facebook post two years ago, claiming that the legislator has a mistress.

At the ongoing “fake news” hearing of the Senate committee on public information and mass media on Tuesday, Pacquiao confronted Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Marie T. Badoy for making that post which reads: “Guess what I saw when I went on a run this morning in my village? Manny Pacquiao’s campaign car in front of his mistress’ house.”

“I still cannot forget what you did to me last election. I’m sure you remember that…” Pacquiao said.

“I forgive you but I want you to say sorry in front of me,” the senator asserted.

Before giving her apology, Badoy asked that she be allowed to explain why she made the post. According to her, she made the post as she was “very hurt” when Pacquiao compared gays to animals.

“What you said about the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community was very hurting to me. It really really hurts me because a lot of people close to my heart belong to that community…” she said.

In February 2016, the senator was quoted making this remark: “Kung lalaki sa lalaki, babae sa babae, eh mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao.”

(If people then engage in male to male, female to female relations, then they are worse than animals.)

READ: Pacquiao compares gays to animals, draws flak on social media

But Pacquiao said his statement was not fully released by the media as he reiterated that he had nothing against the LGBT group.

In the end Badoy apologized to Pacquiao, which the senator eventually accepted.

“…I think I owe you an apology because I did hurt you and I’m very sorry but then I hope you understand…” she said.     /kga