COMEDIAN Pokwang apologizes for her brother’s involvement in the incident. Photo from GMA Network.
LIFE

Pokwang addresses Antipolo road rage incident involving brother

Jefferson Fernando

Comedian and actress Pokwang publicly addressed a viral road altercation in Antipolo City after confirming that the driver involved was her brother, choosing accountability and empathy over silence as online outrage grew.

In a video message shared on her social media platforms, Pokwang clarified her connection to the incident, acknowledging the public’s concern while drawing a firm line between family ties and personal responsibility. She stressed that being related by blood does not equate to sharing the same beliefs, values, or behavior—making it clear that she does not condone what transpired.

More than defending herself, Pokwang centered her message on accountability and compassion. She extended a heartfelt apology to the family affected by the incident, directing particular concern toward the child who witnessed the confrontation. Emphasizing her role as a mother, she expressed remorse for the distress caused and conveyed her intention to personally reach out to the child involved.

Pokwang also underscored that she was not taking her brother’s side, stating that she was deeply troubled by what happened. While she acknowledged that every incident has multiple perspectives, she maintained that this did not excuse the actions seen in the viral footage.

As the issue escalated online, Pokwang appealed for restraint and responsibility in public discourse. She called on netizens to stop repeatedly sharing photos of her family members, warning that indiscriminate posting and tagging could cross the line into cyberbullying and cyberlibel. She pointed out that while only one individual was involved, the backlash had unfairly dragged her entire family into public scrutiny.

The actress also expressed gratitude to Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares for his role in helping address the situation, apologizing for the disruption caused within the community. At the same time, she criticized public officials outside Antipolo who weighed in on the controversy, reminding them that as lawmakers, they should be mindful of legal and ethical boundaries—especially regarding online conduct and privacy.

The incident originated from a widely circulated video filmed in Barangay San Roque Tulay, Antipolo City, showing a man pushing a cart with his child when it allegedly made contact with a white pickup truck. The situation quickly escalated, with the driver reportedly confronting and physically assaulting the man before a bystander intervened.

By speaking out, Pokwang positioned herself not as a defender of wrongdoing, but as a public figure choosing accountability, empathy, and restraint—urging the public to seek justice without abandoning compassion or respect for due process.