There are now three Negros Occidental mayors, who tested positive for COVID-19, in less than a week.
Silay City Mayor Mark Golez became the third local chief executive in Negros Occidental in three days to be infected with the virus after attending a party luncheon of Love Negros officials Sept. 18.
The two others were Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco and Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares, who are both members of the political group Love Negros.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz reported yesterday that Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, former Rep. Alfredo Benitez, EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, and Board Members Ryan Gamboa and Jeffrey Tubola, who also attended that meeting, tested negative for COVID.
The results of the swab tests on Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, Abang Lingkod Rep. Stephen Joseph Paduano, and other mayors, have yet to be released, as of this time.
Golez posted on his Facebook account that there is nothing to worry as he is only exhibiting mild symptoms, and is fully vaccinated.
Zayco and Lizares are also fully inoculated against COVID.
Atty. Jose Eduard Davila, Silay City administrator, said the City Mayor’s Office was temporarily closed effective yesterday until Sunday, for disinfection, while employees have been advised to work from home.
Davila added there is no need for the City Mayor’s Office personnel to undergo swab testing, since Golez had no close contact with them. – GB
