Ex-solon Chong urged to apologize for slap remarks on first lady

MANILA, Philippines—Former Biliran lone district representative Glenn Chong faces calls for a public apology from fellow lawmakers after making what they deemed as “ungentlemanly remarks” toward First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

The remarks, made during a pro-Apollo Quiboloy prayer rally in Manila last Tuesday, sparked outrage among legislators, with Surigao del Norte 2nd district Representative Robert Ace Barbers and Surigao del Sur 2nd district Representative Johnny Pimentel demanding accountability.

“That is conduct unbecoming of a gentleman…Women’s Month pa naman,” remarked Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs.

Chong threatened to slap Araneta-Marcos Tuesday at a Manila prayer rally organized by supporters of embattled Quiboloy.

Echoing Barbers’ sentiments, Pimentel, assistant minority leader of the Commission on Appointments, condemned Chong’s behavior, emphasizing the need for an apology. “I saw the video clip and I denounce his disrespect to the First Lady,” he said.

“We demand a public apology for Chong,” Pimentel said, standing firm on the call for Chong to seek forgiveness from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s wife.

Chong, who served one term as Biliran congressman from 2007 to 2010, has faced electoral defeats in subsequent bids for office, including a failed senatorial run in the 2019 midterm elections.

Efforts to reach Chong for comment on the matter were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.