Ilocos Sur Governor moves to declare Long Mejia, Dagul, and Gene Padilla as persona non grata
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"Their gesture is truly a disappointment..." said Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Luis Singson. The three comedians allegedly refused to undergo quarantine checkpoints and protocols during their visit in the province.
Actors and comedians Long Mejia, Dagul, and Gene Padilla are being petitioned to receive a "persona non grata" status from Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson after the three talents were said to have “awful disregard of the existing quarantine rules of the Provincial Government.”
According to the statement released by Gov. Singson, the three men allegedly refused to undergo quarantine checkpoints and protocols and exhibited “arrogance and impoliteness that should not be tolerated.”
“I, therefore, call upon the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to urgently pass a Resolution declaring Long Mejia, Dagul Pastrana, and Gene Padilla persona non grata in Ilocos Sur,” Gov. Singson said in the statement.
“Their gesture is truly a disappointment undermining the police power of the LGU in the implementation of quarantine protocols during the time of the pandemic.”
He added, “These people are personalities of the show business [industry] with broad patronage, which should all the more be the reason that they take it upon themselves to comply with existing rules in a place they visit.”
Gov. Singson said the incident should serve as a warning to everyone to follow government protocols to protect themselves and society.
“It is not solely the responsibility of the National and Local Governments but also of the people -- both residents and non-residents.
“The little inconveniences that result from following strict rules and guidelines is a small sacrifice that we have to bear if we want to succeed in this fight against COVID-19,” it concluded.
As of this writing, Long Mejia, Dagul, and Gene Padilla have yet to release an official statement regarding the said petition.
If granted, the actors will join the list of celebrities who were given the persona non grata status including Ramon Bautista and Leah Navarro, who were forbidden from visiting Davao and General Santos City, respectively.
