MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Esther Margaux “Mocha” Uson on Wednesday evening admitted that she made a mistake for saying the location of Mayon Volcano is in Naga City, Camarines Sur.
In a live video posted in her Facebook blog, Uson apologized for her mistake. Mount Mayon is in Albay province.
“Trending nga po tayo dahil diyan sa nakakatawang issue – ‘Yang pagkakamali ko na nasabi ko na ang bulkang Mayon ay nasa Naga. Okay, pasensya na po, inaamin ko po na nagkamali ako. Okay, pasensya na po…Nakakatawa, napakaliit na issue, ginagawang headline, ginagawang national news, trending, pero pagdating sa Dengvaxia, tahimik kayo,” Uson said.
“’Diba? Tapos pagdating sa pagkamatay ni Atio Castillo diyan sa UST, tahimik din kayo. Pero yung simpleng pagkakamali ko, na hindi naman maaapektuhan ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas o ang seguridad ng bansa natin, grabe kayo kung makapanghusga,” she added.
The PCOO official even featured Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano in the same video, citing that the mayor is from Albay where the real location of the volcano is.
Uson made the mistake in a separate video where was speaking about her controversial award from the University of Santo Tomas Alumni association.
She returned the government service award on Wednesday after the UST community said she is undeserving of the recognition. The UST Central Student Council and other alumni said she does not embody the ideals of a real Thomasian citing that she is a "purveyor of politically-motivated propaganda."
“Ginagamit po ng ilang mga tao itong maliit na issue sa award para pagtakpan yung issue ng Dengvaxia, issue ng pagtanggap diumano ni Senator Drilon ng pera galing kay Napoles, at yung pinakamahalaga pa yung nangyayari sa Naga, ‘yang pag-aalburuto ng Mayon volcano,” Uson said.
Uson’s gaffe trended online and drew flak from netizens. Twitter users poked fun at the location mistake and joked how the PCOO can now “move mountains.”
"Love can move mountains and Mocha can move volcanoes"
— Parvati (@teztikelz) January 24, 2018
– Ancient Proverb
BRAKING NEWS: Mayon Volcano has opened its second branch at Naga City.
source: PCOO Asec. Mocha Uson— Saint (@AdrianTabag) January 24, 2018
BREAKING: PCOO Asec Mocha Uson has superpowers. She moved Mayon Volcano to Naga. pic.twitter.com/0wLOVstOys
— Miss Krizzy (@krizzy_kalerqui) January 24, 2018
The beautiful Mayon Volcano is now on its Philippine Tour!
— Andrei (@HeyDrei06) January 25, 2018
Jan 25-27: Naga
Jan 27-29: Makati
Jan 30-31: Batangas
Feb 1-3: Romblon
Feb 4-6: Iloilo
Feb 6-8: Cebu
More venues to be posted.
Reserve your tickets now! Follow Mocha Uson for further announcements!
Thank you!