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The Secretary of Foreign Relations, Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr. and the Mayor of the city of Iloilo, Jerry Treñas. INQUIRER archive photos
CITY OF ILOILO – Without effort, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas on Monday demanded an apology from Foreign Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr., who had accused the mayor of politicizing and blaming residents. for an increase in COVID-19 cases.
“You should apologize because you are doing this to a local government unit (LGU) that is doing everything possible to flatten the curve (of COVID-19 cases),” Treñas told INQUIRER.
“You must respect the LGUs that have a mandate as opposed to a designated person who serves at the discretion of the nominating power,” Treñas said.
On Sunday (September 27), Locsin tweeted a news article on GMA News Online about the Iloilo city government’s request to reduce its community quarantine status from Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) to more flexible General Community Quarantine ( GCQ).
The report quoted Treñas as saying that the increase in local transmission cases in the city could be due to people forgetting there is still transmission of the virus or being careless, citing a case of a drinking party.
“How is it that Treñas can blame his constituents for carelessness, for being ‘pasaway’ – that ugly word – and getting away with it? Due to the hypocrisy of the opposition, ”Locsin said in the tweet that has since been deleted after Treñas rebuked Locsin on social media.
The mayor clarified in a statement that he did not blame the residents and took responsibility for the increase in COVID-19 cases.
Please note that I do not blame anyone for the increasing cases in the city of Iloilo. I take full and complete responsibility for what happens in the city of Iloilo and now I am exploring all possible options as to what is best for my people and my city, ”he said.
He then lashed out at Locsin, pointing to the official’s lack of experience in leading a local government unit.
“Teddy Boy Locsin, we take care of our constituents in the best way possible. I have not blamed my constituents as we continue to seek ways and means to flatten the curve. I know you don’t know how to work at the LGU since you’ve never run a city, ”said Treñas.
Locsin, a lawyer and editor of the defunct news magazine Free Press, served as speech writer for Presidents Corazón “Cory” Aquino, Joseph Estrada, and Gloria Mapacagal-Arroyo. He also served as a representative of the Makati First Congressional District from 2001 to 2010.
“Iloilo City is much better than you think because here we all work together. We know that governance is always a shared responsibility of both the governors and the governed. It is unfortunate that in the midst of a pandemic, political sides are still demanding, “he added.
Treñas said he was taken by surprise and angered by Locsin’s comment because they know each other personally and Locsin was a friend and classmate of his older brother, José Mari Treñas, at the Ateneo de Manila University Law School and at the University from Harvard.
“I was surprised. But if you think Ilonggos will buckle up for his statement, you are wrong,” said the mayor. “We all know that we have done everything possible to make sure we flatten the curve and control the transmission on our own,” Treñas said in a telephone interview with the INQUIRER.
“We have several positive cases (COVID-19) here at City Hall, but I am still here. Where is the? He hasn’t even given a single (personal protective equipment) to the city of Iloilo, ”said Treñas, a diabetic who injects insulin daily.
“What have you done to stop this pandemic except (tinker) with your cell phone and laptop? Because he believes he can write a good speech, he can do anything to anyone. No sir, ”he said.
Treñas said that he will not respect a person who does not respect him.
“A person who is full of shit, even if he wears a Barong Tagalog or coat and tie, is still full of shit,” he said.
TSB
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