THE father of actress Angelica Dela Cruz yesterday denied allegations that he punched and strangled one of his barangay councilmen after their regular flag raising rite in Malabon City yesterday morning.

Ernesto dela Cruz, 60, the incumbent chairman of Bgy. Longos in Malabon City, branded the accusations against him by Councilman Jojo Alvarez, 40, as premature politicking in his bid to win public sympathy.

The actress’ father said the incident occurred inside their barangay hall at about 9 a.m. a few minutes after their flag raising ceremony.

The elder Dela Cruz said he was discussing some matters with other barangay officials when he noticed that Alvarez’s group was laughing at the papers that he had posted on their bulletin board.

“Even if we come from different political affiliations, they should have shown some respect. I felt insulted when I saw them laughing at those papers so I shouted at them,” he added.     Mia B. Billones

Alvarez fumed and rushed to punch him but Dela Cruz  was quick to avoid his attack and pushed him away.

His hand landed on Alvarez’s neck and others speculated that he tried to strangle him.

Cooler heads intervened and prevented them from clashing.