Alyzza Agustin briefly apologizes on Facebook

The car show model who used a police official's calling card to dodge a traffic violation briefly apologized for her gaffe on Facebook.

 

However, Alyzza Agustin appeared to have deleted her apology on her Facebook account as of Wednesday morning.

 

"I would like to apologize to everyone who was affected and offended by my post, fellow motorists, Director (sic) Alexander C. Ignacio and his family and the PNP Institution as a whole. I was just overwhelmed by that moment because I was caught in traffic for hours coming from work," she said in her apology, according to a report on GMA News TV's "News to Go."

 

She appeared to have deleted her post, but a screenshot of it has been posted on Topgear.com.ph.

 

In her apology, Agustin said she meant no harm to anyone, "and just like any Filipino motorist, would like a little convenience on the road."

 

"Naniniwala po ako ang bawa't isa sa atin ay may pag kukulang din naman sa daan. Pasensya na po sa aking pagkakamali," she said.

 

On Tuesday night, Ignacio, the police official indicated in Agustin's initial Facebook post, denied knowing Agustin and clarified he holds the rank of Chief Superintendent and not Director.

 

Agustin's initial post had gone viral, triggering a barrage of criticism over the supposed special treatment she got. That post has since been deleted as well.

 

The initial post narrated how Agustin got off a traffic violation by showing a business card supposedly bearing Ignacio's name and with a message, "Please assist my EA, Alyzza Agustin."

 

Apology suggestion

 

Topgear.com.ph said the screenshot of Agustin's initial Facebook post went viral with more than 6,100 likes, 3,600 shares and 2,300 comments.

 

It said a "common friend" approached it on behalf of Agustin, "inquiring about what could be done about the post."

 

"We told the guy that we couldn't take down the post but offered to give Agustin prominent space on the website should she desire to issue a formal statement. We then suggested to the friend that Agustin make a public apology and just admit that she committed a mistake. We said people would understand as Filipinos are known to be a forgiving lot," it said.

 

The site commended Agustin for admitting her error in judgment, but said this should "be a lesson to everyone that the 'calling card culture' prevalent in this country is something that has to stop now, because it corrupts our society today as well as our children tomorrow."

 

Ignacio: 'I don't know her'

 

Meanwhile, Ignacio on Tuesday categorically denied that he knew Agustin personally, and questioned the authenticity of the card that she used.

 

"I am a Chief Superintendent (1 star rank) and not a Director (2 stars)," he said, pointing out that the card bore the wrong rank. 

 

Ignacio also said that he would not tolerate the use of his business card for unlawful purposes.

 

"I do give my business card to those who request it. But it goes with the implied condition that it will not be used to violate laws, to shorten prescribed procedures and for illegal gain,” he said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News