Yeng Constantino to Siargao doctor: I’m deeply sorry for the hurt I caused

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After receiving online backlash, Yeng Constantino has apologized to a doctor whom she ranted about in her now-deleted vlog and Facebook post where she shared her and her husband’s “traumatic” experience in Siargao.

“I would like to apologize to Dr. Esterlina Tan and other medical staff for the hurt that my post and vlog has (sic) caused them. Whatever concerns I had should have been coursed through the proper forum,” she wrote in a Facebook post on Monday, July 22.

Constantino drew the ire of many netizens after she exposed the identity of the doctor online as she accused her of ‘lacking concern and urgency’ in responding to the need of Yan Asuncion, the singer’s husband, who figured in a cliff diving accident in Siargao.

This did not sit well with netizens, especially those in the medical field, calling out Constantino for “doctor-shaming.” Some of them pointed out that it was not that Tan lack sense of urgency and concern but medical practitioners are trained to remain calm in any emergency situations, and that the problem was with the lack of equipment and staff in provincial hospitals.

Due to their online outrage, the hashtag ‘#NoToDoctorShaming’ also trended on Twitter in reaction to the singer’s posts.

Constantino admitted that it was “unfair” for Tan to be called out on social media so she took down her post and vlog.

“Regarding the Siargao incident, ‘yung mga recent posts ko (my recent posts) was brought about by my high emotions dahil sa nangyari sa aking asawa (because of what happened to my husband) whose life at that time I thought was in grave danger,” she wrote.

The singer said after talking with people close to her, she realized that she should have been “more responsible” with what she posts.

“I’m deeply sorry for the hurt I caused her at sa lahat ng mga (and to all) medical professionals who were affected by my posts. There is no excuse. I will do my best to be more responsible next time,” she continued.

Surigao del Norte 1st District Representative Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas earlier vowed to take actions to improve Siargao’s emergency responses, following Asuncion’s accident.

“The public may rest assured that the Provincial Government, the local executives, health and tourism officials and this representation have been taking steps to make Siargao as safe a destination as it is beautiful and fun,” he said in a Facebook post in response to Constantino’s.