DILG chief apologizes, denies cussing

MANILA, Philippines - It was an “unfortunate incident” that will form part of his Lenten reflection.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said this yesterday as he admitted getting upset after he was required by a staff of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong to pay the green fee of a guest last April 6.

An incident report was submitted to the Wack Wack membership committee against Roxas, one of its registered members.

He purportedly berated a staff in the golf course for requiring him to pay the green fee.

Roxas admitted becoming upset over it but denied scolding or swearing at anyone.

A remorseful Roxas nonetheless apologized for the incident, saying it was a result of apparent confusion over the new policy at Wack Wack.

“If there is something wrong in what I did, I sincerely apologize for hurting someone. There was a misunderstanding on my part, for which I apologize. I direct my apology to the Wack Wack family,” Roxas said in Filipino.

“This incident would form part of my reflection for this Lenten season,” Roxas told The STAR.
A key member of the Cabinet of President Aquino, Roxas is one of the regular members of the exclusive golf and country club frequented not only by private golf aficionados but also by many government officials.

“Wack Wack is like a second home to me. I have been playing golf there since I was eight years old. I inherited the shares at Wack Wack from my late father,” he said.

Roxas sent a text message explaining the incident resulting from an apparent confusion over the new policy involving the green fee of a guest.

“There was misunderstanding over the policy requiring the payment of green fee by someone merely standing nearby who is not even a player. I later learned there was a new policy,” he said.

Although he got upset, Roxas clarified he did not berate or cuss at anyone. What came out were words of exasperation due to an unexpected situation and which were not directed to any person, he said.

“Out of my frustration, I got upset. But I did not direct it against someone and most of all, I did not swear at someone,” Roxas said.

Nonetheless, Roxas said he would settle the green fee as required by the house rules of the golf club.