Viewers of One Balita Pilipinas were taken by surprise on Monday, September 8, when Ako Bicol Partylist 2nd Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. was overheard blurting out a strong curse word during a live interview segment with news anchor Cheryl Cosim.
Unaware that his line was already patched in, Garbin exclaimed, “E, p*t*ng ina!” just as Cosim introduced him on air for a phone interview.
The interview was meant to tackle ongoing controversies surrounding flood control projects, as well as questions about the medical condition and whereabouts of his colleague, Ako Bicol Partylist 1st District Rep. Zaldy Co.
Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco has accused Co of being the proponent of billion-peso insertions in infrastructure funds.
Despite the outburst, Cosim maintained composure and calmly reminded the lawmaker, “Cong… Cong, you’re on air.”
Shortly after the program aired, Garbin wasted no time issuing a public apology for the slip.
“PASYENSYA NA TAO LANG PO! I sincerely apologize for the curse word that was caught right after my live interview on One Balita,” Garbin said.
He explained that the incident happened as he was multitasking while on the phone.
“At that time, I was walking while doing the interview. As I hung up, I tripped and almost dropped my phone. The stumble startled me, and in that unguarded moment, I blurted out a curse word — something I usually say in private and never intended for the public to hear,” he clarified.
Acknowledging the standards expected of him as an elected official, Garbin assured that he will exercise greater caution moving forward.
“I understand that as a public servant, I must always be mindful of my words, even in unexpected situations. Moving forward, I will take greater care to avoid similar incidents. Once again, I apologize to the viewers and to anyone who may have been offended.”
