Former VP Candidate Bello Issues Public Apology to Ex-Davao Official Over 2022 Campaign Statements
In a significant development from the 2022 election period, former vice-presidential candidate Walden Bello has extended a public apology to former Davao City official Jefry Tupas for statements he made during the campaign. The apology, detailed in a letter dated January 23, 2026, and released publicly on February 4, addresses allegations that Bello now acknowledges were unfair and without basis.
Details of the Apology and Allegations
Bello admitted in his letter that on two occasions during the 2022 election campaign, he claimed Tupas was "snorting drugs" at a beach resort party. These statements were disseminated through tri-media and social media platforms, causing what Bello described as emotional pain and psychological distress to Tupas. "I am deeply sorry for those statements... I should not have involved you at all. For these, I offer this public apology. I now know those statements to be unfounded," Bello wrote. He further recognized the potential damage to Tupas' reputation and the mental anguish his remarks may have inflicted.
Bello framed his actions as part of campaign rhetoric directed at a fellow candidate, emphasizing that he did not intend personal attacks. He committed to respecting every individual's dignity in future engagements, marking a shift from his previous stance.
Background on Jefry Tupas and Legal Proceedings
Jefry Tupas, currently serving as the Chief of the Media and Public Relations Division of the Office of the Vice President, previously held the position of Davao City Information Officer under then-mayor, now Vice President, Sara Duterte. The controversy stems from Bello's accusations during the campaign, which led Tupas to file two counts of cyber libel against the former candidate.
Bello had earlier labeled these complaints as "politically motivated," linking them to a debate challenge during the 2022 election period where Duterte declined participation. As a result of his statements during the CNN Philippines vice-presidential debate, Bello was declared persona non grata by Davao City. Despite this designation, he has continued to visit Davao City while his case remains under trial.
Context of the Drug Allegations and Tupas' Resignation
Tupas filed the cyber libel charges after Bello accused him of involvement in the drug trade. It is noted that Tupas resigned from his city post, but he was previously dismissed following a drug raid on November 6, 2021, in Mabini, Davao de Oro. He confirmed attending a beach party at a resort in Barangay Pindasan, Mabini, prior to the raid. The operation resulted in the seizure of drugs valued at P1.5 million and led to 17 arrests for illegal possession, though Tupas was not directly implicated in the raid's findings.
Bello's Political Background and Current Status
Walden Bello, a former congressman and well-known activist, ran unsuccessfully for vice president in the 2022 elections. His apology comes amid ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny over his campaign tactics. As of the latest updates, Tupas has not issued a public response to Bello's apology, leaving the situation unresolved as the cyber libel case proceeds through the judicial system.
