Ancient executives get into a fight over the distribution of food parcels

By: Ruchelle Denice Demaisip – 2 minutes ago

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Tension erupted in Tobias Fornier town in Antique province on Monday as the mayor and vice mayor exchanged blows over who should take charge of distributing food parcels for dry spell victims in the province, the city police. has reported.

According to Tobias Fornier police, both Mayor Ernesto Tajanlangit III and Vice Mayor Jose Maria “Jojo” Fornier were injured during the confrontation that took place at a municipal warehouse where the food parcels were delivered.

READ: State of disaster declared in 103 areas due to El Niño

Vice Mayor Fornier accused Tajanlangit of raising his voice and punching him in the face over an argument over who should oversee the distribution of food parcels from the Provincial Office for Social Welfare and Development (PSWDO).

Fornier also retaliated with a punch, although it barely hit Tajanlangit, police said.

The province is currently in a state of emergency due to the El Niño phenomenon.

Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao told reporters here on Monday that it was Fornier who had asked her for help, but that the mayor allegedly intercepted and took away the food parcels, which Fornier tried to recapture.

Regret

Tajanlangit said in a statement after the fight with Fornier that the distribution should be handled by the municipal social welfare and development office due to the disastrous situation prevailing in the city, and not by the vice mayor.

“I don’t remember exactly what happened. All I know is that I pushed the door of the truck. When I pushed the door, my elbow actually got hit. I even had a (elbow) photo taken of it,” the mayor explains in a radio interview.

Tajanlangit regretted the incident.

“It was indeed embarrassing for us. I am deeply ashamed,” he said.

The disputed food parcels were returned to the PSWDO following the altercation.