ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Tension erupted in the town of Tobias Fornier in Antique province on Monday when the mayor and vice mayor exchanged blows over who should take charge of the distribution of food packs for victims of the dry spell in the province, the town police has reported.
Both Mayor Ernesto Tajanlangit III and Vice Mayor Jose Maria “Jojo” Fornier were hurt during the confrontation that happened in a municipal warehouse where the food packs were brought, according to the Tobias Fornier police.
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Vice Mayor Fornier accused Tajanlangit of raising his voice and punching him in the face over an argument on who should oversee the distribution of food packs from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
Fornier also retaliated with a punch though it barely hit Tajanlangit, the police said.
The province is currently under a state of calamity due to the El Niño phenomenon.
Antique Gov. Rhodora Cadiao told reporters here on Monday that it was Fornier who requested the aid from her but the mayor allegedly intercepted and took the food packs, which Fornier tried to retake.
Regret
Tajanlangit, in a statement following the fight with Fornier, said the distribution should be handled by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office due to the state of calamity prevailing in the town, not by the vice mayor.
“I don’t remember exactly what happened. All I know is that I pushed the door of the truck. When I pushed the door, my elbow was even hit. I even had it (elbow) X-rayed,” the mayor explained in a radio interview.
Tajanlangit expressed regret over the incident.
“It was indeed embarrassing for us. I am deeply embarrassed,” he said.
The disputed food packs have been returned to the PSWDO following the altercation.