Singapore's Heart Center probes Pinay staff over 'insult'

Singapore’s National Heart Center is now investigating one of its Filipina staff over insults she allegedly hurled at Singaporeans on social networking site Facebook. In a message on its Facebook page, the NHCS also issued an apology to Singaporeans who may be offended by the reported statements of Rachelle Ann Beguia. “We sincerely regret the insensitive comments made by Ms. Rachelle Ann Beguia. Although she posted those comments in her own capacity, the National Heart Center Singapore [NHCS] does not condone such behavior," it said. The NHCS said it has always advocated among its staff to “be respectful at all times, courteous, and constructive when engaging in media platforms." Beguia’s Facebook post dated Thursday elicited more than 300 comments as of 8 p.m. Friday — many of them calling for Beguia’s ouster. Apology posted On the other hand, a separate report on AsiaOne said Beguia posted an apology for her comments Thursday afternoon on the Facebook page of Malaysian Member of Parliament Penny Low, where Beguia made her initial comments. “I am very sorry for the insensitive comments I have posted earlier. [There] was a lack of judgment. For those who have been hurt by those comments, I am very sorry once again," AsiaOne quoted Beguia as saying on Low’s Facebook wall. Despite the apology, which came hours before the NHCS said it was investigating the incident, many netizens wanted Beguia punished. One Facebook user, Mohammed Samsudin, chided the hospital for “sending a very wrong message by just apologizing on the culprit’s behalf and not taking immediate action." “There is no question that she should be sacked immediately and sent back to her homeland since Singapore is a country of morons to her," he said. Another Facebook user, Shavin Gk, urged the hospital to “send that Pinoy away back where she belong." How it all started The Temasek Review website reported the row started when Beguia posted a comment on the Facebook page of Low, where Beguia indicated Singaporeans are “incompetent." Beguia at the time was responding to a comment posted by a Singaporean on foreigners “snatching" jobs and flats from Singaporeans. “If foreigners can come and snatch your jobs and flats, it only shows… how incompetent you are," Temasek Review quoted Beguia as saying. The AsiaOne article added Beguia described Singaporeans as “moronic" whose “loyalty" and “patriotism" will be dropped “at the first sign of trouble." Beguia had posted her comments in Low’s defense when Low apologized for using her mobile phone when the national anthem was being sung during the National Day Parade. Beguia had tried to urge Low to ignore the angry comments made by some Singaporeans on the Facebook page. — JE/VS, GMA News