Kris apologizes for sunburn post

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential sister Kris Aquino apologized yesterday for her Instagram post comparing her sunburn with the agony of commuters affected by monstrous traffic jams during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

“I humbly apologize for my failed attempt at self-deprecating humor Thursday night that came across as being spoiled and insensitive. I’m sorry,” she said in her post.

“In the future, I will leave the joking to Vice Ganda, promise,” she said, referring to her comedian friend.

Aquino was criticized on social media for saying the sunburn she acquired after touring the wives of some APEC leaders in Intramuros on Thursday puts her on equal footing with commuters affected by road closures due to the APEC summit.

“Quits na tayo sa lahat ng nahirapan mag-commute these past days. Patas ang mundo, patche-patche naman ang balat ko,” she posted along with a photo of her sunburn.

“You’ll love the sense of humor of my sister Viel, baka daw my entire back nagka lace-patterned sunburn,” she said.

Many netizens said Aquino’s post was insensitive, saying the hours she spent under the sun touring the APEC spouses are nothing compared to the suffering of workers who had to walk for kilometers due to the road closures.

“How can rubbing elbows with world leaders, walking with body guards that would readily hold umbrellas for you, riding in a private car that probably drives through the APEC lane and all the other privileges you enjoy be disregarded because of a simple sunburn?” a netizen asked.

“Your sunburn is not and will never be equal to the suffering of Filipinos,” she added.

Some netizens also asked if Aquino waited for hours to get a ride home or suffered a salary cut for arriving late due to traffic.