Tony Labrusca ‘deeply sorry’ after making a scene at airport immigration
MANILA, Philippines — Actor Tony Labrusca on Friday apologized to the airport immigration officer whom he reportedly disrespected for giving him only 30 days to stay in the country.
Tony, an American passport holder, reportedly had an expletive-peppered outburst at the immigration area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 last January 3 after he failed to qualify for a one-year visa-free privilege.
In an apparent reference to the incident, the Bureau of Immigration warned “an unnamed budding local celebrity” that there are limits to privileges accorded to balikbayans or returning Filipinos, adding that “violating aliens may be excluded and blacklisted from the Philippines.”
In a Twitter post, the "Glorious" actor wrote he wanted to “extend my sincerest apology” to immigration authorities.
Tony also denied calling immigration agents “stupid, nor an idiot much less brag about being a celebrity.”
“I admit I was a bit frustrated and that I asked why I was only given 30 days to stay in the country this time. I was unaware of the policy that because I was not with my mother, I did not qualify for a Balikbayan stamp,” he explained.
“It was very upsetting for me. And I’m sorry that I somehow took my frustrations out on the officer... My biggest mistake perhaps was letting my emotions get the better of me and again I’m sorry,” he added.
“It was a long flight from Canada and while it is not a perfect excuse, I would like to start this year fresh both in my life and the people I’ve encountered with.”
— Tony Labrusca (@tonythesharky) January 4, 2019
Some netizens berated Tony for his alleged behaviour and even urged authorities to bar him from entering the country.
According to the immigration, those who are admitted as Balikbayans are given an initial stay of one year, which they may extend for another one, two, or six months.
Meanwhile, those who do not qualify but are within the list of 157 countries eligible for visa free entry can get an automatic 30-day visa upon their arrival.
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