Iloilo declares Drilon accuser ‘persona non grata’

MANILA, Philippines - The Iloilo City Council has passed a resolution declaring former Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada “persona non grata” for describing the city as a “nest of corruption.”

“Mejorada willfully intended to erode, blemish and even destroy the character, reputation and integrity of the duly constituted authorities in the city, including the institution and instrumentalities of the government, both local and national,” the resolution stated.

Only Councilor Leone Gerochi abstained from the voting on Tuesday on the resolution sponsored by Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo.

“It’s a serious affront on the collective honor and dignity of the Ilonggos,” Peñaredondo said.

Mejorada made the remarks during the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing on the alleged overpriced Iloilo Convention Center. He filed a plunder complaint against Senate President Franklin Drilon over the project.

Though a resident of Barangay La Paz in Iloilo City, Mejorada is a voter in Pavia, Iloilo.