Occidental Mindoro vice governor hurt in Plaza Miranda fall

MANILA, Philippines—The vice governor of Occidental Mindoro fell off the stage during the proclamation rally of the Team PNoy senatorial candidates at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila, Tuesday night.

Singer Dingdong Avanzado was singing on stage when Vice Gov. Mario Gene Mendiola, who will be running for governor in the local elections, fell and hit his head on the pavement behind the stage.

Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo, one of the spokesmen of the Liberal Party campaign, confirmed the incident.

President Aquino, who was apparently taking a cigarette break at the time, was reportedly nearby when Mendiola fell.

In a text message to the Inquirer, Quimbo said the President “was with (Mendiola) all throughout until we were able to lift him to a stretcher.  He was bleeding but conscious.”

A cursory inspection of the stage where the proclamation rally was held showed that four rows of white plastic chairs were lined up for the use of the 12 senatorial candidates and other VIPs, including local officials from several provinces.

Aquino and the senatorial candidates were in the front row.

A source from the Liberal Party said Mendiola was in stable condition despite suffering a four-centimeter laceration “at the left occipital area” and bruises.

The source, who asked not to be named, added that Mendiola complained of an aching back but had been provided with the medicine necessary for his condition.

Originally posted at 06:38 pm | Tuesday, February 12, 2013