Magalong draws flak over celebrity’s birthday bash

BAGUIO CITY , Philippines — Baguio City Mayor and contact tracing czar Benjamin Magalong has apologized for attending a birthday party hosted by a social media personality at Camp John Hay last week during which quarantine protocols were reportedly not observed.

“Tao lang po tayo, sometimes we are just so engaged in one particular activity... minsan nakakalimutan din po natin,” Magalong said in a radio interview.

He said he and his wife attended the event to thank the celebrator, Tim Yap, and his group for helping local artists and promoting their tourism.

A video showing Yap and his guests dancing and not wearing face masks and face shields went viral. Magalong’s wife was seen not wearing a face mask as she posed for a photo with actress KC Concepcion.

Netizens chided Magalong for his double standard in implementing quarantine protocols.

Meanwhile, Yap assured the public that they followed quarantine protocols before attending the party.

He said he organized the event to promote local tourism.

The management of the hotel, where the party was held, was asked to explain why it should not be sanctioned over breach in protocols.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reiterated that mass gatherings remain prohibited under existing quarantine guidelines.

The Cordilleras is on high alert as the new and more transmissible variant of the virus reached Mountain Province and Benguet. The region will revert to general community quarantine from Feb. 1 to 14.

This city alone has almost 500 active COVID-19 cases.— Sheila Crisostomo