Mayor apologizes for Freedom Grandstand gathering

Without offering any justification or reason, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas issued a public apology on Saturday following the controversial gathering held at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand last week.

“I am issuing this public apology for the gatherings that happened at the Freedom Grandstand the past few days. I know no amount of reasoning can justify the events, and for that I am deeply sorry. I only have the people’s best interests at heart,” he said.

The gathering that took place Dec 16 at the Freedom Grandstand saw the distribution of financial assistance to beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Netizens were quick to point the failure of the attendees, especially local officials who were present in the event, to observe physical distancing.
Aside from the mayor, lone district Rep. Julienne Jam-Jam Baronda, Vice Mayor Jeffry Ganzon, City Councilors Ely Estante, Jojo Javellana, Allan Zaldivar and Rudolph Ganzon were also present.

Other city officials who were also in the event include Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) Head and Iloilo City COVID team Spokesman Jeck Conlu, Executive Assistant for Barangay Affairs and compliance team head Jose Fernando “Boyet” Rico, and Barangay Captains Robert Niño of Calumpang, Molo and John Eric David of Veterans Village City Proper.

Based on photos of the event, two of the mayor’s children, Raisa and Miguel, including businessman Johny Young, were also present, raising speculations on the possible Treñas lineup for the 2022 elections.

In radio interviews, Treñas explained that no protocols were violated because it was only a quick picture taking of the officials.

“Dasig lang man to kay nagpicture lang,” he said.

Nevertheless, the chief executive assured the public that similar gatherings will not happen again.

“Rest assured gatherings of that kind will not happen again,” he stressed. (ERS)