Professor Gamboa, who starred in a controversial video with a panela seller in Florence, apologized: "Exposing don Luis Felipe was a mistake"

A professor who became embroiled in controversy after posting a video of a panela vendor in Florencia has publicly apologized, acknowledging that exposing the vendor was a mistake. The incident, which sparked nationwide debate, involved Professor Franklin Gamboa of the University of the Amazon, who recorded an interaction with 74-year-old vendor Luis Felipe Yagüe. In the footage, Gamboa stated he would no longer purchase products from individuals who supported a political project he deemed harmful to his views. The video quickly went viral, drawing attention from high-profile figures such as President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella, who invited Yagüe to attend his inauguration on August 7. Meanwhile, social media users expressed solidarity through donations and messages of support for the elderly vendor. The controversy began when Gamboa uploaded the video online, sparking immediate backlash. In response, he spoke with local media outlet Enfoque Caquetá, where he defended his stance while expressing regret over the unintended consequences of sharing the clip. He emphasized that his decision was rooted in personal convictions rather than mere political opposition. “I believe we should not fall into hypocrisy,” he said during the interview. “I reaffirm my belief that I morally cannot support businesses backed by individuals who have endorsed policies detrimental to those who think differently.” Despite this, he admitted that the act of exposing Yagüe was an error, though he maintained his position on avoiding support for certain political groups. Gamboa reiterated these points in a subsequent conversation with Blu Radio, clarifying that his actions were not solely based on Yagüe’s vote for De La Espriella but extended to anyone supporting projects perceived as violent or hostile toward educators. “It's not just about voting for Abelardo De La Espriella, but anyone backing initiatives that generate violence or promote rhetoric against teachers,” he explained. He acknowledged that while he did not regret his words, he felt remorseful about making Yagüe a public figure in the discussion. “I wanted to record my statements so they wouldn’t be misunderstood, but uploading the video was a mistake I accept.” In both interviews, Gamboa stressed that his decisions were driven by a desire to protect the teaching profession from what he described as damaging discourse. “Teachers have been heavily stigmatized,” he remarked. “I can't support those promoting rhetoric that generates rejection towards our community.” His comments highlighted a broader concern within academic circles about the influence of political narratives on educational institutions. He added that his personal beliefs aligned with a political formation that seeks to prevent what he sees as potential harm to educators over the next four years. Yagüe, meanwhile, remained a central figure in the unfolding narrative. While the video brought him unexpected national recognition, it also placed him under scrutiny. Social media users rallied around him, offering financial assistance and emotional support. The president-elect’s invitation to Yagüe’s inauguration further amplified the situation, turning it into a symbolic moment of reconciliation or confrontation depending on one's perspective. As the story continues to develop, the responses from various stakeholders remain varied. Some view Gamboa’s actions as a necessary stand against what they perceive as politically motivated threats to education, while others criticize the exposure of an individual whose livelihood depends on public trust. The incident underscores the complex interplay between personal ethics, political affiliations, and public accountability in contemporary society. The outcome of this situation will likely depend on how both parties navigate their respective positions moving forward.