Ang Probinsyano solon says sorry for hitting waiter

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Ang Probinsyano party-list Representative Alfred Delos Santos released a statement Thursday night apologizing to the waiter he hit in the face during an incident at a restaurant here on July 7.

“I would like to apologize to Christian Kent Alejo and his family for my action, and to our people for failing in their expectation of a public servant,” the lawmaker said, following the backlash from netizens after the video footage taken by a security camera of him hitting Alejo inside the restaurant where the waiter was working went viral.

“I have no excuse, only regret and the promise that it will not happen again. This single incident does not represent me or my values, and I will prove it by working hard to deliver our party platform and campaign promises to fellow probinsyanos, and from hereon conduct myself as an exemplary public servant worthy of the trust and confidence our people placed on us last election,” Delos Santos, who is set to join the 18th Congress this July 22, added.

The lawmaker also said he “should have not lost control” of his emotions.

“I am not a bully or a troublemaker…The people who know me well can attest to that,” his statement said. “I am sorry not only to Mr. Christian Kent Alejo and his family but also to the people who voted for Ang Probinsyano. Sorry for disappointing you,” he said.

Delos Santos also apologized to his “Ang Probinsyano family” and peers in Congress.

“I know you are all disappointed, and I humbly accept whatever decision that you make in relation to my nomination in the party list,” he said.

He said he reached out to Alejo and his family on Thursday afternoon to personally extend his apology.

“I am deeply grateful that they properly received me and accepted my apology. Out of this humbling experience, I have not just learned a lesson, but I also gained a new friend who made me understand the meaning of humility and self-restraint,” he added.

“For our constituents, I hope and pray that you will find in your hearts a way to forgive and understand,” he said. /ee

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