Rendon Labador says he has no regrets over viral Coron incident
Controversial internet personality Rendon Labador said he has no regrets over their heated argument with a mayor's staff in Coron in Palawan, which led to him and Rosmar Tan being declared personae non gratae in the province.
"Parang hindi ko pinagsisihan 'yung mga nangyari kasi parang ano eh, kinuha ko na lang 'yung mga lessons na natutunan namin," Labador said during his and Tan's guesting on showbiz insider Ogie Diaz's vlog on July 11.
Labador noted that the experience helped boost the bond of their group, Team Malakas.
"Mas lumakas 'yung samahan namin. Mas nabuo 'yung pamilya namin. Marami kasing challenges," he said.
Labador also told the public not to fear making mistakes toward others, as long as they would be "accountable" for them.
"Kunin mo na lang 'yung mga matutunan mo moving forward, kasi tao lang tayo. May emotions ka," he said. "Kung lagi kang magsisisi sa bawat pagkakamali mo, hindi mabi-build kung sino ka ngayon."
"So sa tingin ko, moving forward, magiging better kami," Labador added. "Kung tutulong kami, siguro, pag-usapan muna namin 'yung mga ganoong lesson."
Tan, meanwhile, said she's filled with regret.
"Sa totoo, ako, oo. Pinagsisisihan ko talaga," she said. "Nadala lang din ako ng pagod, puyat, tapos parang ganun 'yung nabasa ko. Plus points 'yung staff pa ng munisipyo."
"Doon talaga ako nasaktan," she added.
Tan was referring to Jho Cayabyab Trinidad, who on her personal Facebook account, accused Tan and Labador of exploiting Coron residents for their vlog that supposedly aimed to give groceries and promote tourism on the island.
Intending to air their displeasure over Trinidad's post, Tan and Labador visited the office of Coron Mayor Marjo Reyes, who was in Puerto Princesa at that time.
Viral videos showed Labador shouting and pointing at Trinidad.
Tan, during the interview, explained that they didn't intend to display aggression with their visit. "Di naman kami maggaganoon, kaya lang, parang nakaganoon pa si ate," she said, doing a folded arms gesture.
Tan claimed Trinidad was taunting Labador to punch her. "'Yung emotion ko noon, parang tumaas na nang tumaas na hindi ko na alam," Tan said. "Pero alam kong mali. Siguro na-over din ang reaction ko na hindi ko na-control."
Trinidad posted a public apology to Tan and Labador, but Coron's municipal council member John Patrick Reyes on Facebook shared a draft of a resolution seeking to declare them personae non gratae, which was approved on June 18.
To be declared as persona non grata means a person is no longer welcome in a particular place. But it doesn't mean they'll be prevented from visiting it, much less get arrested.
Labador is a self-proclaimed motivational speaker whose posts and comments on social media often stir controversy. Tan, meanwhile, is an entrepreneur with a focus on beauty products.