Sarangani, Philippines — Congressman Steve Chiongbian Solon on Monday issued a clarification following a viral photo circulating on social media showing a man watching online sabong (cockfighting) during the opening of the 19th Congress’ session on July 28.
The lawmaker explained that some netizens mistakenly associated him with the image after his name was tagged in various online posts. In his official statement released through his social media account, Rep. Solon emphasized that he does not engage in nor support online gambling.
“It has come to my attention that people are tagging my name to a viral post. So let me clarify this once and for all — I don’t gamble nor do I approve of online gambling,” Solon wrote.
He further clarified the use of the term “Solon,” which may have caused confusion. In English, “Solon” refers to a lawmaker or legislator—a term also used in both Tagalog (“mambabatas”) and Visayan (“magbabalaod”) languages.
Rep. Solon urged the public to be more discerning and responsible in sharing unverified information online.