Marian Rivera stands by her ‘insensitive’ comment on traffic but apologizes to those hurt

Image: Instagram/@marianrivera

Marian Rivera apologized for her remarks on the traffic situation in Metro Manila, in which she said the time spent in traffic can be used as “me time.”

The apology comes after her comments were criticized as “insensitive” to the struggle of commuters by netizens over the weekend.

The actress took to Instagram yesterday, Oct. 14, to explain her answer to the question about traffic, which was asked during a press conference introducing her as official endorser of a supermarket chain last Friday, Oct. 11.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3lGSUFBn5C/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The actress pointed out that the question asked her was how she personally handles the heavy traffic in Metro Manila. She said she answered the question precisely by stating her own way of coping with the traffic.

“I just wanted to give a light take on my personal experience, but was misinterpreted,” Rivera said.

“Pinaninindigan ko po ang aking sagot and [I] take full responsibility, pero humihingi rin ako ng paumanhin sa mga nasaktan, nainis, napikon at kahit sa mga mema lang—hindi ko po nais na gawin ito sa inyo,” she stated.

(I am standing by my answer and I take full responsibility but I am also asking for forgiveness from those who were hurt, annoyed and even those who just wanted to say something — I did not intend to do this to you.)

Rivera also acknowledged the hardships that Filipinos have to experience due to the traffic.

“Ang bawat minuto na nasasayang sa kalsada ay dapat na sana’y nagagamit natin para makapiling ang ating mga mahal sa buhay— wala pong may gusto nito,” Rivera said.

(Each minute wasted on the road could have been used to spend time with our loved ones — nobody wants this.)  /ra

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