Borgy says sorry for bar fight

(Update) Commercial model and television host Fernando Martin "Borgy" Manotoc on Wednesday apologized to the grandson of former Social Welfare secretary Mita Pardo de Tavera whom he and his friends reportedly beat up inside a Taguig City bar early Tuesday morning. Radio station DZBB reported that Manotoc, son of Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos, presented himself to the Taguig police investigators Wednesday morning to give his side on the incident. He went to police station alone. The same report quoted Manotoc as saying he is ready to face the consequences of his actions. "I'm sorry that people were hurt by this foolish incident and I hope that we can all learn from this and hopefully move on," he said. Carlo Pardo de Tavera, 22, is confined at the Makati Medical Center. He was unconscious when he was brought to hospital. Manotoc claimed it was self defense. "Well, he first asked me whether I was Borgy and I was a bit confused because he was a stranger so I said sometimes I am, sometimes I'm not," Manotoc said. He added: "He was mocking me and he began pushing and shoving and so I had to defend myself. Once I told him to go home he picked up a chair and swung it in a nearby person and a scuffle broke out." GMA's early evening newscast "24 Oras" reported Tuesday that Carlo was in the Embassy Bar at The Fort in Taguig when he asked the time from a woman he did not know. The woman turned out to be Manotoc's girlfriend, commercial model Ornusa Cadness. He said Manotoc told him not to talk to Cadness. The two men later argued, which reportedly ended with Carlo and his friend being beaten up by Manotoc and four others. "I confronted Borgy and we had an exchange of words. I'm not sure exactly what, someone hit me over the head and I tried to fight back. I could hear them attacking my friend," the victim said. "He and several other guys were there and he (Manotoc) punched me in the face once," he added. Mara Pardo de Tavera, Carlo’s mother, arrived at the police station around 6 pm. She said they still have to study the statements made by Borgy. "I would still have to read it because you are saying it and it might not be exactly what he said. I have to be very correct in what I will say now," she told reporters. "I was told by the mother she ordered him to come here. I was also told it was her car that brought him here so I'm glad to hear that." Lawyer Herminio Banco, Pardo de Tavera’s counsel, said the decision on whether charges will be filed against Manotoc would depend on the conference of all the members of the family. “We will still be talking to all the family members but we are going through the motions of preparing [a complaint]," he said. Manotoc has had his share of nightclub altercations in the past. He earlier had a reported brawl with rapper Jay-R, as well as a near fistfight with former basketball star Bong Alvarez. Alvarez said he called Cadness' attention after mistaking her for a waitress. Manotoc, however, was fuming over the retired cager's blooper. Manotoc is the grandson of late strongman Ferdinand Marcos. He was earlier reported to be seeking the mayoral post in Manila City. He hosts a male-oriented television talk show, "It's a Guy Thing." - GMANews.TV