Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Vice President lamented what it described as the “feudal mindset” of Roxas City Mayor Allan Celino when he reportedly harassed vendors at the Roxas City public market.
OVP spokesman Joey Salgado said they received reports that the mayor was threatening market vendors and stall owners if they interact with Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is expected to visit the province on Friday.
“We cannot comprehend the apparent refusal of the mayor of Roxas City to recognize the fact that the second highest elected official of the country will be visiting. He (Celino) has even gone to the extent of reportedly threatening vendors and market stall owners should they interact with the Vice President,” Salgado said in a statement.
“Such a feudal mindset where constituents are treated like serfs, has no place in a democracy,” he added.
Salgado also described as “unfortunate” Celino’s refusal to extend to the Vice President the usual courtesies given to visiting national government officials after he did not allow the posting of the customary welcome streamers, citing a city ordinance.
Celino, he said, should set aside politics and respect the Vice President as second highest elected national official.
“We are reminding the mayor that the Vice President of the Republic is the one visiting his city. Dapat walang pulitika kundi respeto sa halal na lider ng bansa,” he said.
Inquirer.net tried but could not reach the mayor for comments.