A routine trip to a popular Makati mall turned into a viral incident for former Commission on Elections commissioner and audit officer, Attorney Rowena Guanzon. Over the weekend, a video circulated online showing the outspoken lawyer embroiled in a heated confrontation with a Chinese national. What started as a minor disagreement over coughing and mask etiquette quickly escalated, drawing attention from mall-goers and netizens alike.

According to reports, the confrontation began when the Chinese national reportedly asked Guanzon to leave the mall, citing fear of possible infection due to her cough. Guanzon, known for her assertive personality and advocacy for Filipino rights, refused, asserting that no one had the authority to order her out of a public space. She also reminded the man that if he felt unsafe, it was his choice to leave instead.

In her social media posts, Guanzon detailed her frustration with the encounter. She explained that while she immediately apologized for any inconvenience, the Chinese national refused to accept her apology and allegedly stared her up and down. The lawyer’s emotions flared during the incident, resulting in a scene that drew the attention of many shoppers who watched as events unfolded.

The tension was so intense that medical personnel were called to assist Guanzon due to her high blood pressure, a condition that made the encounter physically taxing. Witnesses noted that despite the public spectacle, the incident remained under control, with onlookers either continuing their shopping or pausing to watch from a distance.

Guanzon’s statement emphasized that her reaction was not personal against the nationality of the individual. She urged her followers not to involve race in the discussion, reminding everyone that her issue was with the behavior she experienced, not the person’s origin. She stressed that as a citizen, she had the right to be in public spaces without being unfairly confronted.

After the confrontation, Guanzon filed complaints at the Makati Central Police Station, citing unjust vexation and grave oral defamation. She later discovered that the couple involved were not local residents of Makati, based on the IDs they presented. The lawyer expressed concern about the ethical conduct of the other party’s attorney, claiming that they attempted to have their client flee during the reading of Miranda rights—an action she implied was questionable under the legal code of conduct.

Public reactions online have been mixed. Some criticized Guanzon for her assertive handling of the situation, arguing that she could have remained calmer. Others defended her, praising her for standing up for her rights and refusing to be intimidated in a public space. Even Senator Robin Padilla weighed in, publicly supporting Guanzon and framing her actions as a defense of the rights of every Filipino citizen.

The incident also highlighted broader conversations about public conduct, civility, and cultural sensitivity. It serves as a reminder that misunderstandings in public spaces can quickly escalate, especially when they involve health concerns, differing expectations, and cultural norms. Guanzon’s insistence on addressing what she perceived as disrespectful behavior underscores her long-standing reputation as a public figure unafraid to speak out.

This episode is not Guanzon’s first moment in the spotlight. She has previously served as a commissioner in the Commission on Elections under Presidents Benigno Aquino III and Rodrigo Duterte, and as an audit commissioner. Her career also includes local governance as the mayor of Cadis, Negros Occidental, and her role as chief of staff for the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. Known for her advocacy and outspoken critiques, Guanzon has consistently used her platform to champion transparency, justice, and the protection of Filipino citizens’ rights.

For many, the mall incident reinforced her persona as a no-nonsense public figure who will act when she perceives injustice, regardless of the setting. She openly admits that small infractions, when ignored, can escalate into larger systemic issues. In her social media posts, she highlighted the importance of not tolerating disrespect or undue humiliation, drawing parallels between personal experiences and broader societal injustices.

Guanzon’s viral confrontation is a vivid example of how everyday public interactions can spark significant debate in the age of social media. While her assertive reaction generated both criticism and support, it also provided a platform to discuss civil behavior, public rights, and cultural understanding in shared spaces. Her message to the public is clear: respect and accountability are non-negotiable, and standing up for oneself in the face of unfair treatment is not only justified but necessary.

As discussions continue online, Guanzon remains unapologetic about her actions, framing them as a defense of basic rights rather than an attack on an individual. The Makati mall incident reminds us that even in ordinary settings, standing up for justice can attract attention, provoke dialogue, and reaffirm the importance of protecting one’s dignity. For a public figure like Rowena Guanzon, such moments also reinforce her legacy as an advocate willing to confront challenges head-on, no matter where they arise.