Tutok to Win Representative and television host Sam Verzosa urged a lawyer-journalist to make a public apology after she allegedly implied on social media that he and his girlfriend, actress Rhian Ramos, cheated during a marathon event in New York City recently.

During a press conference in Quezon City on Thursday, Sam said that the fake news affected his loved ones.

"Nakakalungkot na may mga ganitong klaseng tao na nagkakalat ng fake news kasi hindi lang kami ang affected kundi ang mga mahal namin sa buhay," Sam said. "Okay lang sana kung kami lang kaso apektado mga kaibigan namin, kapatid namin, nanay namin. Sinakyan na rin kasi ng mga trolls and bloggers."

Sam said the culture of spreading fake news must be stopped.

"Kung hindi ako magsasalita, patuloy nilang gagawin ito. Abogado pa naman siya pero hindi man lamang niya na-validate sa New York. Hindi man lang nag-research.

"Naniniwala ako sa freedom of speech pero kung ikaw naman ay nakakasira ng buhay ng ibang tao, at kung wala na namang ambag sa lipunan naninira ka pa," Sam also said.

Sam said he and Rhian went to New York not to compete but to raise funds for Smile Train during the annual marathon in New York.

"I've been helping the Miss Universe Philippines with the Smile Train. Sa London marathon din last year. This is my second marathon.

"Mabuti na lang na-document ko yung pagtakbo namin sa New York kaya nakunan namin yung sinasabing nawawalang marker ng mga sensor. May proof kami (na hindi kami nandaya)," he said.

Sam added: "Naka-upload ang lahat ng video sa YouTube and Facebook from start to finish. Ang dami namin tumakbo pero hindi ko alam bakit kami ang pinag-iinitan."

The congressman stated that it was possible the spread of fake news might be politically motivated. However, he mentioned that he does not know the individual and has not reached out to their team.

"Noong una natatawa ako kasi pati pa ba naman pagtakbo namin. Kaso sinakyan na ng ibang kalaban natin at bashers. kaya kumalat na," he also said.

Sam encouraged her to publicly apologize, but he did not set a deadline for her to do so. He mentioned that he was consulting with his lawyers about the best course of action.

"Nasa sa kanya na yan kung gusto niyan magpublic apology or hindi. Siguro bahala na rin ang mga lawyer namin dyan kasi focus din ako sa charity araw-araw. Ayoko na nga sana patulan ito eh," he added. "Sana magbago na siya and lets stop toxicity."

Organizers of the annual New York City Marathon have cleared Sam and Rhian of any irregularities during the event.