Chiz on viral video with First Lady during Vin d'honneur : 'I was being a gentleman'

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Thursday addressed the video being circulated online where First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos was seen grabbing his wine glass during the recent Vin d'Honneur for the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence at Malacañang Palace.

"I consider waiting on a lady (first or otherwise) to be gentlemanly," Escudero said when asked for comment on the viral video posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"Maaaring sabihin ng iba na maka-luma o parang 'under' pero para sa'kin, hindi kailanman magiging maka-luma o di uso, ano man ang itawag ng iba, ang pagiging maginoo at pakikipag-kapwa tao," he added.

(Others may say that it is old-fashioned, but for me, being a gentleman will never be unfashionable.)

Also seen in the video were President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Speaker Martin Romualdez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, among others.

GMA News Online sought Palace's comment on the matter, but they have yet to respond as of posting time.

At least 84 diplomats and dignitaries were present during the event. --VAL, GMA Integrated News