Ridon tells Pokwang: ‘You are not the victim’ in viral road rage case

House Committee on Public Accounts chairperson Terry Ridon on Wednesday addressed a viral video posted by celebrity comedian Marietta Subong, popularly known as “Pokwang,” in which she apologized for the actions of her brother who was involved in a road rage incident.

Ridon stressed that neither Pokwang nor her family were the victims in the incident.

“You are not the victim here. The victim is Crispin and his child. The victims are the ordinary Filipino people being abused by the likes of Carlos Subong,” Ridon said in Filipino.

In her video, Pokwang apologized for the actions of her brother, Carlos Subong, after a viral clip showed him hitting a man in front of the latter’s child following a minor incident involving his Toyota Hilux and a pushcart being handled by the victim, later identified as Crispin.

“I am apologizing. For the people (he) had a confrontation with, especially to the daughter, I am sorry, my dear. I will visit you, okay? Just wait, your Auntie Pokwang will go there. Please forgive me,” Pokwang said in Filipino in her video.

Pokwang also referenced an unnamed politician whom she accused of going too far by allegedly posting photos of her family online, warning that cyberbullying and cyberlibel exist in the country.

“I know you are from Bicol. Please be careful, because you are a lawmaker, so you should know that we have something called cyberbullying and cyberlibel,” Pokwang stated.

Ridon, a Bicol Saro party-list representative and member of the House Committee on Transportation, has been among the lawmakers who publicly addressed the road rage incident and recommended action against Carlos Subong.

“There is no one else Ms. Subong could be alluding to except me, as I have been consistently speaking on road abuse issues, including the e-bike ban and the present road rage incident," Ridon said in a statement.

The lawmaker said it was Carlos Subong who should issue an apology, not the actress, as he was the one who allegedly committed grave threats, inflicted physical injuries, and engaged in acts of child abuse against Crispin and his daughter during the incident.

Ridon also denied claims that photos of Subong’s entire family were posted online.

“The public has every right to know the identity of a person who commits crimes against ordinary Filipinos.” Ridon said.

He further emphasized that Congress has full oversight powers over transportation and public safety matters, including road rage incidents. Ridon added that lawmakers would not be intimidated by what he described as threats of cyberlibel and cyberbullying cases arising from legitimate public scrutiny.

Ridon said his team is monitoring the proceedings at the Land Transportation Office as Carlos Subong faces administrative action.

“As Mr. Subong faces the LTO today, (17 December) we are deploying our team to observe the proceedings to ensure that he is afforded due process—while also ensuring that, after ful administrative proceedings, his dirver’s license is permanently revoked.” Ridon said.

He added that they will also coordinate with the Department of Justice to ensure appropriate criminal charges are pursued against Carlos Subong for alleged grave threats, physical injuries, and child abuse.