Defensor sorry for confusing Bayani Agbayani as finance undersecretary

Actor Bayani Agbayani. INQUIRER.net file photo / Tristan Tamayo

MANILA, Philippines — Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor apologized Tuesday for stating comedian Bayani Agbayani’s name while referring to Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin during a Congress session Monday.

Defensor made the blunder during the session at the House of Representatives, which was tackling a measure that would grant President Rodrigo Duterte more powers to address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

“Apologies to my friends Usec Bayani Agabin and Bayani Agbayani for mixing their names in today’s session to raise 200B for the govts fight against COVID 19 virus,” he said on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-FYXF8HCKz/

During the session, the congressman said, “Kay undersecretary Bayani Agbayani ng Finance.” He was later corrected and swiftly apologized.

“Ay, Agabin, thank you, Mr. Speaker, Bayani Agbayani ba nabanggit ko? I apologize Mr. Speaker,” he said.

The mistake drew amusement on social media, with Twitter users congratulating Agbayani for his supposed new role.

https://twitter.com/nicolexaguila/status/1241968969969364993?s=20

“Kasama ba sa ‘emergency powers’ yung pag-appoint kay Bayani Agbayani sa Dept. of Finance?” quipped one Ralph Abainza (@AbainzaRalph).

Kasama ba sa "emergency powers" yung pag-appoint kay Bayani Agbayani sa Dept. of Finance?

— Ralph Abainza (@AbainzaRalph) March 23, 2020

Amid the gaffe, the House approved the Bayanihan Act of 2020 (House Bill No. 6616) which declared a national emergency and granted the President emergency powers to respond to the COVID-19 threat.

Edited by JPV