ILOILO City – The netizen who posted on Facebook that Mayor Jerry Treñas took a test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) following a close contact with a positive case has apologized to the city’s chief executive.
Considered a person under monitoring – for having a recent history of travel to Manila where there are many COVID-19 cases – the netizen, a woman, sent Treñas an audio recording of her apology because she was under home quarantine.
The transcript of her apology read: “I’m here to say that I am sincerely sorry for the post in my Facebook account about the fake news on Mayor Jerry P. Treñas. My father is also a frontliner. I overheard the news over the radio. I’m not sure about it, however I posted it. I’m asking for forgiveness. Concerned ako kay Mayor because I know he is working hard, and I’m a daughter of a frontliner as well. I know the feeling because naga-worry man ako kay papa just like what Mayor is doing. Once again, sorry for my post and I will never to that again. To other people spreading fake news, I hope this will be a lesson for all of us. We may all be more careful next time.”
Treñas accepted the apology.
“We have to be understanding at this stage. But this will be the last,” Treñas said.
The Facebook post was taken down on March 26, a day after it was posted.
In his Facebook page, the city mayor immediately refuted the post.
“Indi matuod nga nagpa-test ako para sa COVID-19. Kag indi man matuod nga naka-close contact ako sa isa ka tawo nga positibo sa nasambit nga virus,” Treñas clarified.
He assured the public he would continue to be transparent with his health condition.
“Kun matuod ina, ako mismo ang mapahibalo sa inyo tanan. Prangka man ako kag wala gid nagabinutig sa inyo,” stressed Treñas.
Nevertheless, the city mayor expressed gratefulness to those who showed concern.
“Madamu nga salamat sa mga naghatag pagkabalaka sa akon, pero indi na kamo magkabalaka bangud sa liwat, indi ina matuod,” the mayor added./PN
