Mayor Jerry P. Treñas remained silent on the issue regarding public officials and wannabe politicians holding gatherings amid the increasing cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Iloilo City.
Critics found it ironic for Treñas to ask the public to avoid gatherings yet allowed some city government officials and wannabes, including his son Miguel, to hold gatherings in the guise of public information campaign.
IMT News reached out to the mayor for his comment but has yet to receive a reply as of posting time.
Former city councilor Plaridel Nava, in his Facebook post accompanied by photos, called out the public officials.
“How can you expect ordinary people to abide by the country’s health protocols when the incumbent elected public officials and their wannabes are the number one violators of the rule on social distancing and wearing of face mask?” he asked.
For Nava, there is “an obvious double standard for the poor and the underprivileged, vis-a-vis, the rich and the powerful” in the enforcement of the COVID-19 health protocols and policies in the city.
He also gave an unsolicited advice to Treñas.
“Tani unahon anay ni mayor hambalon mga kandidato nya nga mag untat sang kampanya kay malayo pa ang election. Puro si mayor mandu pero ang grupo nya ang numero uno nga salawayon,” said Nava.
Iloilo City has the second highest number of active COVID-19 cases in Western Visayas behind the province of Iloilo.
Based on the March 19 bulletin issued by the Department of Health (DOH-6), the city logged 299 active cases or those who are still infected with the disease.
Meanwhile, the province recorded 482 active cases.IMT
