MANILA, Philippines – John Apacible of the Ateneo Blue Eagles issued an apology late Tuesday night, October 20, for the apparent drunk driving incident he was involved in on Sunday morning, October 18.
"I am asking forgiveness for what I did the other day," read the apology letter written in Filipino and signed by Apacible, which was posted on the Ateneo de Manila University Facebook page.
"I know I made a mistake and because of this I am deeply ashamed for my family, team, school, and everyone who was affected by this."
Apacible, 19, was caught on video evidently inebriated and causing a commotion along Timog Avenue in Quezon City.
The video, which was posted on the Top Gear Philippines Facebook page, showed Apacible yelling expletives as he tried to go after and challenge the person recording the video to a fist fight.
Late in the recording, the person behind the camera accused Apacible of kicking his car multiple times. The person also kept asking why Apacible was being allowed to drive away drunk.
The person who submitted the video, according to Top Gear's post, claimed Apacible assaulted a delivery van driver and was hitting passing cars. Apacible was also seen in the early parts of the video brandishing a "Councilor" plate.
"I was only thinking of myself and I neglected my responsibilities. I am ready to accept whatever the consequences are of my mistake. Once again, I apologize," Apacible added.
Apacible has been suspended from Blue Eagles games and practices for the remainder of the eliminations of the UAAP Season 78 men's basketball tournament.
Apacible was not arrested despite the presence of police and the existing Republic Act No. 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 which states in Section 5 that: "It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs and/or other similar substances."
Penalties vary – depending on the result of such act – from fines of as low as P20,000 to as high as P500,000. Three months imprisonment is also a possible penalty, as well as the confiscation, suspension, or revocation of the driver's license.
A report from Inquirer.net said the person who complained his car was repeatedly kicked has yet to file a formal case at the Quezon City Police District's Kamuning Station.
Apacible is a 6'4 forward seeing limited minutes for the Blue Eagles and is playing on his second year.
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– Rappler.com