Lolypop issues warning on fabricated statement

CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon has issued a warning to the public regarding a fabricated statement circulating on social media, falsely attributed to her.

The statement allegedly pertains to her supposed remarks about the newly constructed P20-million skywalk in Barangay Maguikay.

The controversial statement, posted on Facebook by netizen Redmon Colina, purportedly quoted Ouano-Dizon as saying: "Kung wala mo nalipay sa 20 Million nga Skywalk ayaw mo ug agi diha. Para ra na sa mga Mandauehanon nga kahibaw mo appreciate sa akong project."

Colina criticized the alleged statement, questioning its appropriateness: "Mao diay ni sakto nga tubag? Nangutana raman nganong ka mahal ana nga skywalk... ingon anaon diay pag tubag? Mangaway diay? Natural mana naay mga pangutana... ka arrogante sad manulti oi."

Ouano-Dizon, however, vehemently denied making such remarks, stating: "Dili na tinuod. I did not say that. And I call on everyone, especially Mandauehanons, to be extra careful these days kay daghang mga fake news ang gipakatap aron pagpang-daot."

When asked for his comments, Colina explained: "I just encountered this post on FB and thought it was genuine because it had her name and looked official. Being a Mandauehanon, I felt personally affected by the dismissive tone of the post towards legitimate taxpayer concerns. Taxpayers have the right to question government projects, especially those that appear overpriced. If this statement is indeed fake, then maayo. But if it is true, I hope this kind of dismissive mindset does not undermine the transparency and accountability we expect from our government officials, especially if she wins in the upcoming election."

The P20-million Maguikay Sudlon Skywalk was officially blessed and turned over to Barangay Maguikay on March 12, 2025, in a ceremony led by the Department of Public Works and Highways-7 Sixth Engineering Office, alongside Ouano-Dizon.

The skywalk, funded through the congresswoman's initiative, has drawn criticism from some Mandauehanons, who argue that the cost is excessive and overpriced for such a project. — (FREEMAN)