Fistfight erupts in Bacolod council session

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Two councilors in this city got into a fistfight during a session of  the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) on Wednesday.

Dindo Ramos suffered a bruise on his left cheek after he was hit by Claudio Puentevella following an argument on a proposed contract with IPM Construction and Development Corp. for the construction of another sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa.

The fistfight prompted Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran to call for a recess.

Puentevella, son of former mayor Monico Puentevella, was barred from attending the session, based on a resolution approved by the city council when sessions resumed.

Puentevella, who left when the session was suspended, could not be reached for comment.

Ramos said he would file criminal and administrative charges against Puentevella. 

Familiaran apologized for the incident. He said he would request the redeployment of police officers during sessions to prevent a similar incident.

He also appealed for calm among council members.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said it was the first time he heard of a fistfight during a council session.

“When we are in the SP or the city hall, we should reason with our head and not use our muscles,” Leonardia said.