Guimaras Representative Ma. Lucille Nava admitted that she “confronted” Iloilo City Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda for “interfering” with the affairs of the island province.
“We have agreed not to talk about it, now she’s talking about it in a presscon,” Nava said in an interview with IMT NEWS on Monday afternoon, Oct. 7.
Baronda, in a press conference on Monday morning, denied that there was a confrontation between her and Nava.
The newbie lawmaker showed reporters a text message which she said from Nava.
The message reads: “Hello Cong. good day II call you in a while. I think they are making up stories. Have a nice day ahead! (sic)”
The confrontation took place right after a dinner meeting hosted by Visayan Bloc head Albee Benitez.
During the meeting, Boranda mentioned her plan to file a resolution calling on President Rodrigo Duterte to look into the plight of passengers crossing Iloilo and Guimaras.
After the August 3, 2019 sea tragedy that claimed 31 lives, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) required pumpboats to either roll up or remove their tarpaulin/canvass roofing, operate during fair weather from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. only, and carry passengers up to 75 percent of their authorized capacity only, among others.
These conditions, according to Baronda, have been causing severe inconvenience to the riding public.
A reliable source said Nava was “surprised” and “momentarily speechless” after hearing Baronda’s statement.
When asked by Benitez for her comment, Nava said the problems are already being addressed by the local government units (LGUs), MARINA, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Benitez gathered the congressmen under the bloc to talk the problems in their respective districts.IMT
