Ruffa resigns from 'Paparazzi'

RUFFA Gutierrez formally tendered her resignation from weekend showbiz talk show "Paparazzi" after her claims of "disrespect" from the program.

In a statement sent to Sun.Star, the television host said she submitted her intent letter to TV5 Entertainment and Creative head Perci Intalan last June 27, 2012.

According to Ruffa, she can no longer work in a program where the values and principles are no longer aligned with what she stands for.

"My life is not without scandal or controversy. I cannot erase my past, but I can certainly re-write my future. This is what I have strived to do since I became a mother to Lorin and Venice," she said.

"I have made an effort to right the wrongs in my life because I knew that as I got older, it was far more important for me to imbibe the right values for my children and it begins by being a good example to them of what a woman should be," she added.

"I am not perfect. I have made many mistakes and I am sure that I will make more. But when faced with something that is contrary to the principles I have learned to embrace, I will stand up for myself and for the people I love."

The former beauty queen then finally broke her silence on the real reason behind her controversial tweets last June 23, minutes after "Paparazzi" gave her a surprise birthday special.

Ruffa recalled that on the eve of her birthday, the show's actual airing date, she was very excited and was truly looking forward to what the presentation would be.

She was briefed by the production team on an overview of the program flow but was not provided with details of what is yet to come.

"No specific questions, no line up of guests, etc. As most TV shows go, 'surprises' are done for birthday celebrations," the tv host said.

According to her, the first part did run smoothly. The organizations she's affiliated with gave hearthfelt messages and she also receieved birthday cards from her two daughters.

But things turned sour when the "Bulungan" portion started.

Ruffa said Noel Ferrer, one of "Paparazzi's creative team member, told her to just be "game" in answering the questions, which will be raised by her co-hosts.

"I was feeling a little panic, still not knowing what the questions would be, but I went on with it as we were about to go on air. The portion referred to male actors I have been linked to in my late teens- Zoren Legaspi, Robin Padilla and Aga Muhlach who are all now happily married with their own children."

Ruffa was shocked upon hearing the questions, which she claims has sexual content.

"I showed my discomfort immediately but tried to be a good sport and played along. But as the segment wore on, the rest of the questions whispered in my ear got worse pertaining to male private parts and sexual behaviour - all of which are definitely not appropriate content for airing on national television, most especially at a wholesome hour (lunchtime) with my children, my parents, my family and friends and other people's children, family and friends watching," she said.

"No one has a right to ask those questions to anyone on air or even off air. The questions may have been whispered, but they were resonating loudly as offensive, vulgar and degrading to a person," she added.

As a professional, she tried to compose herself and smile up to the very end of the program. But as soon as the show is finished, she immediately decided that "Paparazzi" is no longer suitable for her.

"I felt that my dignity and integrity as a person along with the rest of my womanhood were violated. I knew right then and there that I would never come back to Paparazzi. I may not be faultless but I know where to draw the line between degrading and entertaining," she said.

Ruffa said she is grateful for all the opportunities given to her by the network, but she cannot continue the show.

Right now, the television host is looking forward to fulfilling more programs with the Kapatid Network. (Sunnex)