(Eagle News) — Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson wants comedians Long Mejia, Dagul and Gene Padilla declared persona non grata for what he said was their “awful disregard” of the provincial government’s quarantine rules.
In calling on the provincial council to “urgently” pass a resolution making the declaration, Singson noted the “unsanctioned visit and social activities” in Sto. Domingo of the showbiz personalities and their companions “with no legitimate purpose,” and “without proper coordination” with the local government unit and health authorities.
“Their refusal to undergo quarantine checkpoint protocols, evading checkpoint personnel is another manifestation of violation of our laws, an exhibition of arrogance and impoliteness that should not be tolerated,” he said.
According to the governor, the three were personalities of show business with a “broad patronage,” which he said “should all the more be reason that they take it upon themselves to comply with existing rules in place they visit.”
He said the three comedians’ “gesture is truly a disappointment.”
“May this incident be a reminder that preventing local transmission of COVID-19 entails the cooperation of every sector of the society. It is not solely the responsibility of the national and local governments but also of the people, both residents and non-residents,” he said.
The actors have so far not issued statements.