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DILG tells Laoag City Mayor Keon to explain alleged Christmas gathering
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday issued a show cause order against Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon over a Christmas gathering that he supposedly organized.
In a statement, DILG said the photos of the Christmas gathering, which is prohibited amid the threat of COVID-19, have circulated in social media.
“We received reports that a Christmas party was organized by the mayor together with other government and barangay officials,” DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said.
“Acting on these reports, the Secretary has directed the issuance of the SCO for the mayor to explain if he should be held administratively liable for violating health protocols,” he said.
According to Malaya, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año has directed the issuance of the order against Keon for alleged violation of the prohibition against mass gathering and of minimum health standards during a pandemic.
Malaya pointed out that government officials must lead by example and therefore should be cautious in calling for gatherings amid the threat of the disease.
“If the public sees that our government officials themselves are not following the protocols, our campaign loses credibility,” he said.
He added that the DILG assures Mayor Keon due process.
All Christmas parties in any government office, national or local are prohibited, Malaya said. He noted that 99% of all LGUs so far have followed the directives of the Inter-Agency Task Force.
“We thank all LGUs that have cancelled their annual Christmas parties because gatherings are sure way of transmitting COVID. The threat of a second surge is there so we should not let our guard down,” he said.
“If we want to show our appreciation to people for a job well done, we can just send them gifts. No need to call for a mass gathering,” he added.
GMA News Online has reached out to Keon for his side. The mayor has not replied yet.—AOL, GMA News
