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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Iloilo City mayor apologizes for mass gatherings

Iloilo City mayor apologizes for mass gatherings

Published Dec 19, 2020 01:29 pm

ILOILO CITY— Mayor Jerry Treñas has retracted an earlier statement, and has apologized for violating minimum health protocols when the city government allowed thousands of residents to gather for cash aid distribution.

Thousands of people were gathered at Freedom Grandstand in Iloilo City between December 15-17 when the local government distributed cash aid. It was clear violation of the ban on mass gatherings. (Boots Gerochi/Facebook)

“I know no amount of reason can justify the events, and, for that, I am deeply sorry.  I only have the people’s best interests at heart,” said Treñas in a statement released Saturday, December 19.

This was after almost 15,000 people were instructed to come to the Freedom Grandstand for a three-day period or between December 15 and 17.  They were told to pick up cash aid coming from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that was being distributed by the Iloilo City Social Welfare Office.

During the first day of cash distribution, photos and videos circulated online of what was an apparent mass gathering, and a clear violation of the national government’s policy in addressing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

There was even a group photo with Treñas and other city officials.

The mayor initially downplayed the viral photo.  At one point, the city mayor claimed that it was only the group photo that showed lack of physical distancing.  He also blamed political opponents for making an issue.

City residents have begun to criticize Treñas, who initially earned national praise for the city’s COVID-19 responses and was hailed as a model mayor during the pandemic.

But there were several instances that the city mayor proved to be inconsistent, lashing at some violators, but keeping mum or defending violations when it involved himself or his allies.

Treñas also drew flak last November when he allowed the homecoming of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Occeña Mateo. The various activities related to Mateo’s homecoming drew thousands of people for a three-day period.

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