Tim Yap, other guests at The Manor fined P1,500 each for violating COVID-19 protocols

Tim Yap and 32 other guests at The Manor in Baguio City during his birthday party have been fined P1,500 each for violating COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

According to the Baguio City government, those who were fined also include Mayor Benjamin Magalong's wife Arlene and media personality KC Concepcion.

The venue was fined a total of P9,000--P1,000 for the violation of the face mask ordinance, P3,000 for the violation of physical distancing measures, and P5,0000 was for the violation of the ordinance on new normal operation for business establishments.

The party, held earlier this month, drew criticism on social media after videos showed events organizer Tim Yap and several others dancing without face masks and social distancing.

Magalong and his wife also attended the event. The mayor has admitted that protocols were violated during the party.

The city government said that The Manor had submitted a commitment to follow health protocols.

Yap has defended the event, saying it was a “dinner and the event promote existing tourist destinations that were recently reopened.”

Magalong resigned his post as government’s contact tracing czar but his resignation was rejected by the COVID-19 Task Force.

The Palace earlier said Magalong still enjoyed the trust of President Rodrigo Duterte despite criticisms over his attendance at the event. -Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News