Shortly after Maria Isabel Lopez’s controversial post on Facebook regarding her removal of divider cones to avoid heavy traffic and pass through the ASEAN lane became viral, the daughter of the actress and former beauty queen posted her reaction.
“I get a text this morning from Rico Robles ‘your mom is thug life!’ I had no idea what was going on. I’m in baler and my phone has been ringing all morning asking for a statement. I’m not really sure what people are expecting me to say. I mean, I wasn’t there. And anyone that knows my mom knows she will do her own thing no matter what. We may not always agree, but she’s my mom and I love her. I got your back mama,” wrote Mara, who like her mother is also a film and television actress.
Robles is an outspoken radio DJ and former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate. Mara is also a known surfing enthusiast and often goes to popular surfing destinations like Baler, Aurora which is dubbed as the “surfing capital of the Philippines.”
After drawing flak from numerous netizens following the incident, Isabel posted an apology (“Sorry to those who got hurt and affected”) on her Facebook page even as she asked everyone to tune in to the GMA news program “24 Oras” to hear her side of the story.
There, she explained that she did it because she had to answer the “call of nature.”
The ASEAN Lanes were installed to ensure the speedy trips — and more crucially, the safety — of world leaders and delegates attending the 31st ASEAN and Related Summits.
Even with her apology, Isabel still faces sanctions from the Land Transportation Office as recommended by the Metro Manila Development Authority and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
“It’s a serious breach of security. MMDA and LTFRB will now recommend to the LTO the suspension or cancellation of Ma. Isabel Lopez driver’s license,” said MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago in a statement.
LTFRB board member Atty. Aileen Lizada also said that the actress is “not a good role model as a beauty queen.”
Prior to pursuing acting, Isabel won the 1982 Binibining Pilipinas-Universe crown and represented the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant held that same year in Lima, Peru.