Iloilo execs pay P500 fine for distancing breach

ILOILO CITY—Four city officials, including Rep. Julienne Baronda, have each paid P500 in fine for violating a city ordinance mandating physical distancing as part of COVID-19 health protocols. The officials asked to be issued citation tickets after drawing flak for a series of gatherings last week at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand during the distribution of financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to poor beneficiaries. A photo of the officials drew criticism for violating physical distancing rules. Aside from Baronda, those who paid the fine were Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and Councilors Rudolf Ganzon and Mandrie Malabor. Baronda expressed her apology, admitting that the physical distancing rule was “forgotten” when the picture was taken. Mayor Jerry Treñas and Vice Mayor Ganzon also issued apologies. —NESTOR P. BURGOS JR.