Coron legislator files persona non grata against vloggers Rosmar Tan, Rendon Labador following disputes in the municipality

In Coron, Palawan, a Sangguniang Bayan member proposed a resolution to declare local social media personalities Rosemarie "Rosmar" Peñamora Tan and Rendon Labador persona non grata after a recent viral incident at the town mayor's office.

On Facebook, Juan Patricio Eyes posted a copy of the proposed resolution. "Coronians, eto na po ang resolution na ihahain sa next regular session declaring 'Rosmar' and Rendon Labador persona non-grata in the municipality of Coron," he wrote.

He stated that Labador "disrespectfully confronted" an employee of the Office of the Vice Mayor named Jho Cayabyab Trinidad in front of the public.

Eyes also noted how Tan's—who was there to distribute grocery packages to the people—"never again Coron, Palawan" statement on her Facebook page "further aggravated the situation," by "contributing to negative publicity and tarnishing the image of the municipality."

Moreover, the legislator also urged Trinidad to file a complaint against the two as well as provide the latter with "whatever assistance she needs should she decide to file appropriate charges against the vloggers.

"Jho Cayabyab Trinidad I suggest mag reklamo sa sa appropriate venues/agencies against these people," he wrote.

Eyes continued, "I would like to strongly recommend to my fellow legislators, VM Ashian and Mayor Marjo; that we provide Ms. Jho Cayabyab Trinidad with whatever assistance she needs should she decide to file appropriate charges against Labador and Rosmar."

The final resolution would be released after the June 24 regular session.

In an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe, Atty. DJ Jimenez, a 2023 Gawad Manilenyo awardee said that the declaration of persona non grata, which directly means “unwelcome person,” is more of a “political statement” of the city. Meaning, this does not entail that the declared person will be prevented or arrested while visiting the specific city where they were declared as “unwelcome” unless they are found committing a crime with an issued warrant of arrest. 

Mayor's office incident

This came after the internet celebrities stormed the office of Coron Mayor Marjo Reyes, who was in Puerto Princesa at that time, to air their displeasure over a negative comment they had seen online from Trinidad, a staff member of Reyes after organizing an event to aid the locals and "promote" Coron's tourism.

Trinidad accused Tan and Labador of exploiting the people of Coron for their vlog and social media gains.

"Ginamit nyo lang mga taga Coron para sa mga vlog vlog nyo at socmed......dismayado dahil naghintay sila ng isang oras at gutom...at lalong ginamit nyo mga staff para mag assist sa inyo tapos wala kayong inabot kahit singkong duling!" she wrote in a Facebook post.

Following the incident, Trinidad filmed a public apology with Tan and Labrador. 

"Humihingi po ako ng tawad sa Team Malakas dahil sa ginawa kong pag popost sa social media para po silang siraan dahil po sa hindi ako nakatanggap ng tulong galing kay Ms. Rosmar at Team Malakas," she could be seen reading.

Coron mayor to investigate the incident

Through a Facebook post, the mayor's office stated the city's local government would investigate the matter.

"Tinitiyak po namin na ang bawat hakbang na aming gagawin ay alinsunod sa mga umiiral na batas at regulasyon. Ang mga taong sangkot sa insidente ay haharap sa nararapat na legal na proseso" the statement read.

It added that people should be reminded of being responsible social media users. "Ang ating mga salita at kilos online ay malaking epekto sa damdamin at reputasyon ng ibang tao."