Vice mayor probed for outburst during session

MANILA, Philippines — Saying boorish behavior has no place among public officials, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has ordered an investigation of Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio of Reina Mercedes, Isabela for his outburst during a session of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Remulla said Respicio’s actions during the livestreamed meeting on his Facebook page is an example of what government officials must not do.

“His behavior is inexcusable. We will look into what we can do to rectify his attitude,” Remulla said in a Viber message to journalists.

Remulla criticized Respicio for setting a bad example, saying local officials should always conduct themselves properly in public.

“This is what children see and absorb as normal. This is a sad day for local government,” Remulla said.

As head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Remulla has juridiction over local government units.

Respicio figured in an argument with barangay captains after he questioned them on the status of projects funded by the local government’s share in tobacco excise taxes.

The vice mayor berated at least three barangay captains during the session including Rafael Medrano of Sinippil, whom Respicio accused of harassing tobacco farmers.

Tension flared when Medrano called Respicio rude and dared him to show proof.

In return, Respicio called all barangay officials thieves.