Guimaras Rep. Lucille Nava berated Iloilo City Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda for “interfering” with the affairs of the island province.
According to a reliable source, Nava pulled Baronda into a “private corner” of an undisclosed place after a dinner meeting hosted by Visayan Bloc head Albee Benitez.
This, after Baronda 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.
The 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.
The source said Benitez and other congressmen present during the meeting also felt uneasy with what Baronda stated.
Right after the meeting, Nava “angrily” confronted Baronda.
“Feeling ko abi daw Guimarasnon gid ako Cong.,” the source overheard Baronda pleading Nava.
IMT NEWS sought Nava and Baronda’s comments but the two have not yet responded.
Benitez gathered the congressmen under the bloc to talk the problems in their respective districts.IMT
