Marcoleta urges House panel to summon vlogger over ‘demon’ remark

Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta has called on the House Tri-Committee to summon a vlogger who referred to him as a "demon" during an online broadcast.

During a hearing on Friday, a video was presented showing the vlogger, identified as Epifanio Labrador, cursing at Marcoleta and calling him "diablo."

"Itong si Marcoleta ay talagang demonyo din na katulad ni [Pastor Apollo] Quiboloy… Diablo din tulad ni Quiboloy, (That kind of statement is quite strong. Would you like me to rephrase it in a more neutral or professional tone?)" Labrador said in the video.

Labrador has been critical of Marcoleta for endorsing senatorial aspirant and Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy, who is currently facing human trafficking charges. Both Quiboloy and Marcoleta are running under the PDP-Laban slate for the May 2025 midterm elections.

Marcoleta, a member of Iglesia ni Cristo, insisted that the committee should summon Labrador to address what he described as false narratives.

"Pati ako pinagmumura niya, tinawag niya akong demonyo pero hindi po ako kumikibo… Dapat ipatawag natin, (He even cursed at me and called me a demon, but I chose not to respond… We should summon him)," Marcoleta said.

He added that whatever his critics say, he will remain as he is — "transparent and accountable."

The House Tri-Committee is currently investigating the spread of fake news on social media. On Wednesday, it warned that 11 social media personalities and vloggers could face contempt and possible detention if they continue to ignore summons related to the disinformation probe.