Don't Speak

 

                                              (image: youtube.com)

Gusi  ak brep hasta bolog ak relo!

“Hindi ka naka-Rolex, hindiI ka naka-Gucci, ako pa pinili mo?”

This was the shouted retort of former COMELEC Commissioner Atty. Rowena Guanzon in a viral video reportedly showing her arguing with an alleged Chinese national inside a mall in Makati. According to Atty. Guanzon, the altercation escalated when the individual allegedly told her to leave, implying she might be contagious and pose a risk to others. Feeling publicly humiliated, she reportedly filed charges against both the person involved and the uploader of the video. While she has remained firm in defending her position, little has been heard from the perspective of the individual she confronted.

In everyday life, people sometimes feel compelled to call out behavior they perceive as inappropriate or unlawful in public spaces. For example, one might remind someone smoking inside a terminal or gymnasium that such acts are prohibited by law and harmful to others through secondhand smoke. When confronted, a calm response such as, “Who is being harmed or complained against here?” can help balance asserting public norms with avoiding personal conflict.

This writer does not take issue with Atty. Guanzon’s reaction; however, the reference to luxury brands raises questions. Does mentioning such markers imply that only those with wealth or luxury items have the right to call out perceived misconduct? Or was it merely a rhetorical expression, not intended to suggest whose opinions carry weight in public discourse?

In a democratic society, freedom of expression is a fundamental right that must be respected, as it enables civic engagement and open discourse (Dahl, 1998; Mill, 2003). Yet exercising this freedom invites reflection on intent, was the confrontation driven by malice, or by genuine concern for public order? Social psychology research suggests that perceived public humiliation can trigger strong emotional reactions, including anger or defensiveness, as individuals seek to protect their self-worth and social identity (Lazarus, 1991; Tangney & Dearing, 2002). Such reactions are often human responses to perceived threats to dignity rather than misconduct.

What may trouble onlookers is the implied message that one must be wealthy or possess luxury items to feel entitled to call out behavior perceived as inappropriate or harmful to the greater good. This incident reminds us that while freedom of expression is essential, moments of perceived humiliation can quickly turn honest concern into an emotional response.