By U.S. News Agency / Asian

Socialite and TV host Tim Yap has apologized to Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter Miko Morelos after the latter’s life and security were compromised due to a tweet of the former, who claimed that Morelos won the P741-million Grand Lotto jackpot prize on Monday.

Yap admitted to ABS-CBN News that he made the tweet based on other people’s tweets. “Nag-compose ako ng sarili kong tweet based on the tweets of several people,” he said.

He also said that he immediately corrected his post, but it came too late since many of his followers already read his comments.

Yap admitted that it was his fault and said sorry to Morelos. The journalist, however, did not accept the TV host’s apology.

According to Morelos, above his own security, his family’s safety was put at risk. “Hindi lang ako iyong naapektuhan eh. Pati yung mga sisters ko nga dine-deny nila sa mga classmates nila na hindi. Pero walang naniniwala… hindi sila pinaniniwalaan eh,” said Morelos.

“Kapag nag-apologize ka ba whether sa akin lang or sa public, will it… mawawala ba iyong misimpression na iyon,” the journalist added.

Despite Yap owning up to the damage that has been done, he said he has already learned his lesson. He also came to realize that with his celebrity status comes great responsibility. (Report from Marie Lozano, ABS-CBN News)