Baguio City Mayor Magalong apologizes to Jillian Robredo over 'heckling' incident

Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Wednesday apologized to Vice President Leni Robredo and her daughter Jillian Robredo over the “heckling” incident at the city's public market during a campaign sortie.

Magalong said Jillian and her team were on a market tour on Tuesday when a woman reportedly shouted at her. He said it “must have been a misunderstood presence by the latter.”

“We are sorry that incidents like this took place. Rudeness has never been a standard conduct of Baguio folks," Magalong said in statement.

"We can assure Ms. Robredo that such a physical outburst by a woman is not representative of Baguio’s legendary hospitable conduct, especially to visitors and guests,” he added.

Magalong said residents of Baguio were “amiable, warm, and sincere in their ways” since it is a favorite tourist destination.

“We sincerely hope that Ms. Jillian and her team of supporters will regard this unfortunate incident as purely an isolated one that took place in a momentary outburst of political misdemeanor,” he said.

“Baguio is a peaceful place whose historical experience in election campaigns has been a source of genuine friendship not just among us local candidates but much more so when visiting candidates come here for good-intentioned engagements,” he added.

The Baguio City mayor said that they treat everyone with “utmost fairness,” adding that they gave the “best experience” for the visitors.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Jillian said the house-to-house at “palengke runs” continues with only a few days before the May 2022 polls.

“Gandang umaga. Tuloy-tuloy lang po ang H2H at palengke runs. Puso sa puso. Last 12 days. Focus tayo,” she tweeted.

Robredo said there was no need for Magalong to apologize.

"Thank you very much, Mayor Benjie, but there is no need to apologize. This unfortunate incident does not diminish our love and respect for the people of Baguio," Robredo said. —NB, GMA News