A 22-year-old sampaguita vendor has stepped forward to clarify allegations against her after a viral social media post showed her being forcibly removed by a mall security guard on December 17. The incident, which drew widespread attention, sparked debates online, with the vendor refuting claims that she was involved in a syndicate or displayed inappropriate behavior.
The vendor recounted her experience, explaining that she was selling sampaguitas when the guard approached her and asked her to leave. She pleaded to stay briefly as she waited for her twin sister and a friend, who were also selling flowers nearby, to go home together.
"Ayaw na muna niya mapakiusapan na doon na muna ako umupo… and then parang inaambahan niya po ako na kukunin niya yung sampaguita ko. Tumayo na po ako noon and then, yun nga po, nung pagtayo ko po non, hinablot niya po yung paninda ko," she said.
Feeling humiliated, the vendor admitted to reacting emotionally. "Hindi na po ako nakapagpigil… syempre po yung araw na yun, galit po ako talaga kasi naganun po ako. Feeling ko, ang baba ko, feeling ko, ayun nga, dahil nagtitinda lang ako, ginanun ako," she shared.
Trauma and Online Bashing
Following the incident, the vendor decided to stop selling sampaguitas due to the emotional trauma and cyberbullying she endured. She expressed frustration over the spread of her personal information online, which affected her ability to concentrate on her studies and prepare for exams.
"Masakit man isipin pero… kailangan ko na lang harapin. Dumating nga po sa point na ayaw ko na pong pumasok kasi nahihiya na po ako," she said, adding that even her twin sister faced hurtful comments due to their resemblance.
Denial of Syndicate Involvement
The vendor vehemently denied accusations of being part of a syndicate or resorting to aggressive behavior while selling flowers.
"Nababasa ko po sa mga comment section na ako raw po yung lider ng mga sindikato, which is hindi naman po. Then yun nga po magnanakaw daw po ako tapos nagmumura daw po ako at nandudura. Hindi ko po ugaling mangganun ng tao lalo na po at naka-school uniform po ako," she clarified.
She explained that the box she carried with a “Namamasko po” sign was simply part of her holiday sales strategy and that viral images of a girl begging on buses were not of her.
Juggling Studies and Work
A first-year medical technology student, the vendor revealed she wore her old junior high school uniform while selling sampaguitas—not to evoke pity, but to appear presentable and to keep her college uniform clean for classes.
"Nagsusuot po ako ng uniform kasi para maging disente po sa harap ng tao at hindi po pagpapanggap yun at totoo naman po akong nag-aaral," she explained.
She shared her financial struggles, noting that while she has a partial scholarship, she relies on earnings from selling sampaguitas to cover tuition and support her aging parents.
"Kailangan ko po talaga magtinda para naman po maka-survive ako sa pag-aaral ko… may kaedaran na po kasi ang parents ko at kadalasan nagkakasakit na po ang mama ko," she said.
Reflection on the Guard’s Situation
When asked about the security guard, the vendor expressed mixed emotions. While she feels guilty about him losing his job, she admitted fear of encountering him again.
"Gusto ko po humingi ng sorry sa kanya, and at the same time hindi ko po ginusto na matanggal siya sa trabaho," she said.
Support and Hope
The vendor thanked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and kindhearted netizens for their financial assistance and emotional support during her temporary break from selling.
Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful for the future and is determined to continue her education while supporting her family.
This is a related video where sampaguita's girl parents addresses about the mall guard.
Viral Sampaguita Vendor Speaks Out, Addresses Allegations After Mall Incident
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