Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong appealed to the public to exercise greater discernment and restraint in prejudging, one way or the other, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and the members of his group.
“We fully understand the public’s displeasure over the reported breach of health protocols by Mayor Zamora and his group. We share everyone’s reaction that an incident of this nature, done in utter violation of border controls, took place at all. Let us however bear in mind that the full appreciation of facts and the proper evaluation of evidence at hand are best left to our courts or the rightful quasi-judicial bodies. This is how justice works.” Magalong said.
In his statement, he accepted the apologies of Mayor Zamora without doubt in the sincerity. But in his talk with him, he emphasized that it is to the people of Baguio, not him, who deserve to do that.
“After all, it is their primordial health and well-being that Mayors like him and I are consecrated to work for in these troubled times.” Magalong added.
But the mayor said that it does not mean that Mayor Zamora and his group are now freed of any legal consequences for their actions even if he conveyed his apology profusely.
“That again is better left for the courts.” He added.
The Mayor disclosed that complaints have already been lodged and the PNP hierarchy has directed a formal investigation, purposely to determine culpability, based on their complaint.
“This is due process that we are all duty-bound to abide by, for the process to take its full course. Let them prove their innocence, as they have manifested before us, before the proper judicial or quasi-judicial bodies.” He stressed.
He added in his appeal, “this sad incident has once more affirmed how public vigilance is at its utmost when it comes to public health and safety that we have all worked so hard to foster. Absolutely, we are steadfast in our commitment to keep everyone out of health risk.”
Magalong thanked the public for understanding and to their concern about the matter.
Source PIO Baguio