Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong is now in hot waters after netizens expressed outrage on the grand birthday celebration of social media personality Tim Yap.

Magalong admitted that he and his wife attended the event in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

The party was held at the Manor Hotel where some of the guests and attendees were seen violating health protocols like wearing face masks and social distancing.

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In the interview, Magalong admitted that there were lapses and violations of minimum health standards in the event.

“Meron pa rin. Even my wife violated it kasi nagtanggal yan because may umiikot na picture-taking, syempre siguro sa excitement, yung iba na-excite, nagtatanggal ng masks pampicture picture. Pero ako po, lagi akong nakamask,” Magalong said.

Magalong said that people tend to forget about the threat of the virus in events like what happened in Baguio.

“Nagkataon lang po na tao lang po tayo na sometimes when we’re so engaged in a particular po na activity na masayahin, minsan nakakalimutan po natin,” he said.

Magalong said that the hotel has been asked to explain about the incident and the city’s legal officer is now investigating the matter.

READ ON: Tim Yap breaks silence on Baguio party

“Meron po kaming ordinansa na ipinapatupad na pag hindi ka nagwear ng mask while in a public place, you have to be fined… This is something na iniimbestigahan ng aming legal officer,” Magalong said.

The mayor said that he attended the party to thank Yap for his help in promoting the city’s local artists.

“Ang nangyari po nun, si Tim Yap and his group, nagpunta po doon sa aming art exhibit at ang dami po nilang nabiling art, paintings sa mga local artists namin, alam niyo naman yung mga artists namin talagang naghihikahos,” Magalong said. (TDT)