‘Magalong to uphold law on Baguio birthday bash’

MANILA, Philippines — Baguio City Mayor and contact tracing czar Benjamin Magalong should be given a free hand in investigating possible violations of health protocols during an event hosted by social media personality Tim Yap at a hotel in the city, according to presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr.

Roque noted that Magalong has admitted that there could have been lapses during the event.

“The mayor vowed to act on what happened there. He asked for an apology for the lapses.  He has declared that his wife might also be slapped with a fine… Let us respect the process,” Roque said.

“When he says that the law will be implemented, we trust Mayor Magalong will implement the law,” Roque added.

He said Magalong continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Duterte.

Roque also clarified that the government is not discriminating against anyone in the enforcement of quarantine protocols.

Magalong drew flak for attending a birthday party hosted by Yap after a video and photos showing the guests not wearing face masks went viral.

Yap, for his part, assured the public that they followed the protocols before attending the event, which he said was meant to promote local tourism.

DILG probe

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it would conduct an investigation into the incident.

In an interview with ”The Chiefs” on One News/TV 5 on Wednesday night, DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing said Magalong could be held administratively liable if found violating local ordinances and national laws amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Densing said he does not want to pass judgment on Magalong pending the result of an investigation.

”We have to get their side. A video is one thing,” he said.

Densing denied alleged double standard in the implementation of health protocols.

”Report and we will investigate and verify. We do not pass judgment right away. There’s no double standard. Malinaw ang panuntunan dyan,” he said.

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