Ex-lawmaker hit over slap threat

MANILA, Philippines — Two lawmakers from Mindanao yesterday lambasted former Biliran congressman Glenn Chong, saying he should apologize to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos over his “slap threat.”

In a statement, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said Chong should apologize to the First Lady over his threat to slap her during a recent prayer rally in support of Apollo Quiboloy.

“That is conduct unbecoming of a gentleman... It is Women’s Month. Chong should apologize,” noted Barbers of the Nacionalista Party.

For his part, Pimentel denounced Chong’s “disrespect to the First Lady.”

“We demand a public apology from Chong,” underscored Pimentel, a National Unity Party stalwart.

But according to House committee on ethics and privileges chair Rep. Felimon Espares, the panel could not investigate Chong over his pronouncement because he is no longer a member of the House.

“My committee has jurisdiction only to members of the House of the 19th Congress,” Espares added.

However, he pointed out that regardless of the status, “everyone must respect somebody.”

Chong only served one term as Biliran congressman, from 2007 to 2010, as his re-election bid in the 2010 and 2013 polls failed.