5 Iloilo City officials pay P500 fine each for violating physical distancing rule

ILOILO CITY –– Four Iloilo City officials, including Iloilo Rep. Julienne Baronda, have each paid P500 in fines for violating a city ordinance mandating physical distancing, as part of COVID-19 health protocols in the city.

The officials asked that they be issued citation tickets after drawing flak for a series of gatherings last week at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

They distributed financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the poor, which was channeled through the city social welfare and development office.

A photo of the officials standing alongside each other and posing for photographers drew criticism for violating physical distancing rules.

Aside from Baronda, those who paid the fine after being issued citation tickets were Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and city councilors  Rudolf Ganzon and Mandrie Malabor.

Baronda apologized to Ilonggos admitting that the physical distancing rule was “forgotten” when the picture was taken.

“Again, we apologize to the people of the city of Iloilo,” she said in a statement issued by her office.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Vice Mayor Ganzon earlier also issued separate apologies.

“I know no amount of reasoning can justify the events, and for that, I am deeply sorry. I only have the people’s best interests at heart. Rest assured gatherings of that kind will not happen again,” the mayor said.