Zubiri apologizes to Inday Badiday's family for mentioning her in Senate debate

Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Monday apologized to the family of the late television host and journalist Lourdes Carvajal – more popularly known as “Inday Badiday” – for mentioning her name in objecting to Senator Imee Marcos’ video alleging that the current administration is pushing for Charter change.

Zubiri posted his apology to Carvajal’s family on his Facebook page.

“Sa buong pamilya of the late Inday Badiday, I am sincerely sorry for mentioning her name during my manifestation sa Senado. Slip of the tongue po iyon in the middle of a heated debate, and I take full responsibility because I should have been more careful with my words,” he said.

(To the entire family of the late Inday Badiday, I am sincerely sorry for mentioning her name during my manifestation in the Senate. It was a slip of the tongue in the middle of a heated debate, and I take full responsibility because I should have been more careful with my words.)

Zubiri said he respects the late journalist, whose showbiz talk shows “See True” and “Eye to Eye” aired on GMA in the 1980s and 1990s.

“Like many from my generation, lumaki rin po ako na nakikita siya sa TV, bahagi siya ng pop culture natin and she was loved by so many Filipinos. Lovable talaga siya, with her own charm, wit and warmth, and I fully recognize her contribution to Philippine television, entertainment journalism and media,” he said.

(Like many from my generation, I grew up seeing her on TV, she is part of our pop culture and she was loved by so many Filipinos. She was really lovable, with her own charm, wit and warmth, and I fully recognize her contribution to Philippine television, entertainment journalism, and media.)

On Monday afternoon, Zubiri mentioned Carvajal’s name in his manifestation against Marcos’ video which alleged that the administration is pushing for Charter change and term extensions – a video which several senators slammed as fake news.

Zubiri objected to the presentation and moved to strike it from the Senate record, describing it as “horrible propaganda.” The motion was seconded by several minority senators but was objected by Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

“Inday Badiday na ba tayo (rito) sa Senado (Are we Inday Badiday here in the Senate)? Kaya nga sinasabi (That’s why it’s said), ‘we’re circus.’ I apologize to those who are watching. We are a circus because (of) this type of language that we are pushing in this caucus chamber. It’s unparliamentary,” Zubiri said.

In his apology, Zubiri said his frustration “was about the video shown on the Senate floor.”

“I never meant to disrespect her memory or reduce her legacy to politics,” he said of Carvajal, adding: “Tama si IC Mendoza, dapat hindi na nadamay ang lola niya sa usaping pulitika (IC Mendoza is right, his grandmother should not have been dragged into politics). Kaya muli (Again), I apologize deeply to the family and I will be more mindful moving forward.” — JMA, GMA News