"Glorious" Star Tony Labrusca Apologizes After Making A Scene At NAIA
After bringing some steam to the small screen, opposite Angel Aquino, in the recent film, Glorious, actor Tony Labrusca now finds himself in hot water after a heated exchange at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Last January 3, Tony arrived at the airport from Canada. While at immigration, his passport was stamped by the officer, allowing him to stay in the country for only 30 days. Expecting a longer stay, Tony allegedly became furious and fired expletives at the officer.
He later shared his frustration in a tweet, which has since been deleted: “Just landed in Manila and the Philippine Immigration only gave me 30 days here. LOL.”
Though of Filipino lineage, Tony is an American passport-holder (his Filipino parents are naturalized US citizens as well). As a former Filipino, he is entitled to Balikbayan Privileges, but to a certain limit and under certain conditions. The Balikbayan Privileges allows former Filipinos and their immediate family members to enter the Philippines visa-free and stay for a year. As Tony was travelling without his parents, he was therefore given only 30 days.
After taking some heat for his tweet, he has since issued an apology online to the immigration officer, the Bureau of Immigration and the public.
In a tweet, he shared: “I want to extend my sincerest apology to the superior Immigration Officer (I.O.) who was on duty and I had a talk with yesterday, 03 Jan 2019.
“…I was unaware of the policy that because I was not with my mother, I did not qualify for a Balikbayan stamp.
“It was very upsetting for me. And I’m sorry that I somehow took my frustration out on the Officer. But never did I ever call anyone stupid, nor an idiot much less brag about being a celebrity. I know for a fact that the officer is merely doing her job. My biggest mistake perhaps was letting my emotions get the better of me and again I’m sorry.
“It was a long flight from Canada and while is not a perfect excuse, I would like to start this year fresh both in my life and the people I’ve encountered with. Once again, I am deeply sorry for my reaction.”
— Tony Labrusca (@tonythesharky) January 4, 2019
Photos from @tony.labrusca
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