‘Flyover queen’ apologizes to mayor

Sexy actress Diana Zubiri has apologized to Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos and his constituents for the scandal she created while shooting a pictorial for a men’s magazine atop the EDSA Crossing flyover last Oct. 29.

Because of the apology, Abalos, according to spokeswoman Lourdes Galino, has withdrawn the grave scandal charges filed against Zubiri and her manager Jojo Gabinete.

"While we committed the act in the pursuit of our professions as actress and talent manager, respectively, we do not recommend the same as a good example to the youth," Zubiri and Gabinete stated in a joint affidavit.

Enrique Ramos, editor-in-chief of FHM magazine also promised not to have a repeat of the incident.

Last year, FHM magazine secured a permit from the city government to photograph the sexy star atop the flyover on the condition that the actress wears decent clothing, specifically a tube and shorts.

However, the pictorial team failed to comply with the agreement as Zubiri showed up in a bikini, causing heavy traffic in the area and earning the ire of Abalos.

"We regret the whole incident and apologize to everyone who felt offended, especially the city government of Mandaluyong and its constituents. We promise to be more responsible in the future," Zubiri said.

Abalos said the apology and the admission of guilt expressed in the affidavits have appropriately mended the damaged caused on Mandaluyong City, which had felt deceived by the pictorial team’s actions.

The mayor said he believes that the purpose of the law for punishing the offense has been met, as manifested by the ensuing actions taken by the respondents.

He explained that the punitive element of the law is never meant to be an instrument of vengeance "but as a means to reform erring individuals. "

"I believe the experience has taught them that people should act responsively, honor agreements they conformed with and to respect the law at all times," Abalos said. – Non Alquitran