Former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon addressed a viral video showing her confrontation at a Makati City mall with a Chinese national on the night of Saturday, December 6.
In a Facebook post early Sunday, December 7, Guanzon shared that she became “high blood” while inside the mall and required assistance from medics.
“Na high blood ako kanina .(last night) Ang taas. Medics had to assist me in Rockwell Mall,” she wrote.
The incident reportedly began when she coughed once due to an itchy throat, prompting the Chinese national to tell her to leave, claiming she was “contagious.”
“Sabihan ba naman ako ng Chinese na umalis sa Rockwell mall because I am CONTAGIOUS after I coughed once due to an itchy throat. He said ‘you are coughing you should not be in the mall. Leave,'” Guanzon recounted.
She emphasized that the man had no right to remove her from a public space and noted his refusal to apologize. Instead, he allegedly “looked at me head to toe” and made remarks about her mask.
“Kung maka utos parang amo ko sya. Matapobreng hindi naman mayaman. Sinabihan ako ‘cant u afford to buy a mask?'” she said, responding in kind.
“Sinigawan ko, you don’t even wear a Rolex or a Gucxi. Matapobre.“
Guanzon filed a complaint at Makati Central Police Station against the man, whom she identified as “Chiong.” She said his wife apologized, but he did not, and allegedly fled with the help of their lawyer when Miranda Rights were being read.
“Nang babasahan na sila ng Miranda Rights ng police investigator, tumakas! Tinakas ng lawyer nila. Mga atorni, gagawin nyo ba yon ? Hindi ba that is against our code of conduct as lawyers? Mananagot ka din kagaya ni Martin Looter,” she wrote.
In a video, Guanzon thanked those who expressed concern and explained her actions were in defense of herself, noting that if she stands up for others, she must also protect her own dignity. She admitted feeling embarrassed, especially since many witnesses personally know her.
No statement has yet been issued by the other party, while the incident continues to draw widespread attention and reactions on social media.