Bicol SARO Partylist Representative Terry Ridon on Wednesday strongly rebuked actress-comedienne Marietta “Pokwang” Subong for her recent video statement regarding her brother, Carlo Subong, who is facing administrative and criminal proceedings over a road rage incident in Antipolo City.
In her video, Subong suggested that a lawmaker had posted photographs of her family online and threatened possible cyberlibel and cyberbullying charges. Ridon, who has been vocal on road safety issues, said her remarks were clearly directed at him.
“There is no one else Ms. Subong could be alluding to except me,” Ridon said. “I therefore respond to her remarks directly and squarely.”
Ridon underscored that accountability lies with Carlo, not his sister or family.
“Hindi kayo ang biktima dito. Ang biktima dito ay si Crispin at ang kanyang anak. Ang biktima dito ay ang mga ordinaryong Pilipinong inaabuso ng mga katulad ni Carlo Subong,” Ridon declared.
He stressed that it was Carlo who “consciously chose to commit grave threats, inflict physical injuries, and engage in acts of child abuse” against Crispin Villamor and his daughter.
The lawmaker denied Subong’s claim that family photographs were posted online.
“It is untrue that photographs of Ms. Subong’s entire family were posted. What were posted were photographs of Carlo Subong—the individual involved in the incident. The public has every right to know the identity of a person who commits crimes against ordinary Filipinos,” Ridon said.
Ridon emphasized that Congress has oversight powers on matters of transportation and public safety, regardless of where incidents occur.
He also dismissed Subong’s threats of cyberlibel and cyberbullying cases, saying factual statements based on public documents cannot be considered libelous.
“There can be no cyberlibel or cyberbullying where statements are factual and based on publicly available information. The photographs of Mr. Subong are publicly accessible. The LTO Show Cause Order is a public document. Mr. Subong’s actions were committed in full public view,” he explained.
Ridon confirmed that his team was monitoring the Land Transportation Office (LTO) proceedings to ensure due process, while also pushing for the permanent revocation of Subong’s driver’s license.
He added that coordination with the Department of Justice was underway to pursue criminal charges for grave threats, physical injuries, and child abuse. (JCNE)
