Reelectionist Laguna solon accused of physical injury

(Updated 10:49 p.m.) A reelectionist Laguna representative was accused on Wednesday of physical injury after he allegedly shoved a businessman in front of a coffee shop in the province, a police report said Thursday. Laguna Rep. Justin Marc “Timmy" Chipeco, who is currently seeking reelection in the province’s second district, allegedly shoved businessman Raul Puno after a parking altercation at Paseo de Santa Rosa at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday, the Laguna Provincial Police Office reported. Puno reportedly parked his vehicle in front of Chipeco’s car and blocked the congressman’s way, causing a heated argument between the two, the report added. According to the police report, Puno incurred injuries after he was pushed by the congressman, causing the businessman to fall down on the parking lot’s cemented pavement. Puno reported the incident to the police and was advised to undergo medical examination, the report said. In an interview with GMANews.TV, Chipeco admitted pushing Puno but he insisted it was to protect himself from Puno who tried to approach him. “I was just concerned with my security and protecting myself. My initial reaction, thinking that something is going to happen to me being a politician, was I pushed him," Chipeco said. He added Puno was shouting at him as he approached, claiming he is the brother of Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno. GMANews.TV tried to confirm the claim with Secretary Puno, but repeated calls to his number went unanswered. According to Chipeco, the businessman also cursed at him before alighting from his black Honda car to confront him. “It was a simple traffic altercation that was blown out of proportion," Chipeco added. Members of the Santa Rosa City police are conducting investigation on the incident as of posting time, the report said.—Andreo C. Calonzo with Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV