TV personality Tim Yap defended himself over allegations he organized a party in Baguio City a few days ago despite restrictions due to the pandemic.
In a series of Tweets by journalist Jeff Canoy, Tim assured the public that he followed local government unit protocols.
"Alam po natin na ang Baguio is napaka-strict sa kanilang protocols and they will not allow anyone na umakyat ng Baguio na positive," the 44-year-old eventologist said.
"Lahat ng mga tao, bago umakyat ng tao, kailangan maka-secure ng negative na test. We ensured all the protocols were in place. Itong mga kasama ko, mga kaibigan ko, were also tested negative," said Tim.
It was alleged that among those who joined the Baguio City party was actress KC Concepcion.
"Lahat ng mga tao, mayroon silang mga mask. That time papunta na 'yung mga tao sa buffet table. Pagkatapos noon, kakain na sila so tinanggal nila maskara nila. Pagkatapos noon, pumasok 'yung mga dancers na mag-community dancing so hindi nila nasuot mask nila na sumayaw sila," he also said.
Tim said that his birthday celebration aims to "promote" Baguio as a destination.
"Sa akin, 'yun ang hangarin ko talaga. Para mag-push ng local tourism. Kung makikita mo social media ko, lahat talaga 'yun ang ginagawa ko for the past few months," he said.
"We made sure that we secured all necessary permits para matuloy ito dahil ang talagang goal namin, ang aim namin is to help restart the economy, reopen the economy at ma-promote ang local tourism," Tim added.
Tim also said that it was never his intention to offend anyone.
"I would never do anything na makaka-endanger kahit sinuman. We are all responsible citizens of this country and all we want to do is really to help restart the economy and the push for local tourism," he said.
Earlier, the Department of Tourism Cordillera Administrative Region launched an investigation into the controversial party organized by Tim at The Manor in Baguio City. A notice to explain has already been issued to the establishment.