A heated exchange erupted during a regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan of Reina Mercedes, Isabela after Vice Mayor Harold Respicio questioned barangay officials over the use of P66 million in tobacco excise tax funds.
The proceedings were aired live on Respicio’s Facebook account on Monday, October 5, as local officials discussed the allocation and utilization of tobacco excise tax funds intended to benefit tobacco farmers.
Tensions rose when Respicio asked the barangay chairperson of Sinippil about a project reportedly worth P5 million, including whether the project had already been started or completed.
Respicio pressed the barangay officials to identify programs implemented using their tobacco excise tax allocations from the previous year, stressing that the funds should be used for programs benefiting tobacco farmers in accordance with government guidelines.
The questioning led to a heated exchange between Respicio and several barangay officials.
“Magnanakaw!” Respicio repeatedly saying during the argument.
One barangay official confronted Respicio and reminded him to remain respectful during the discussion.
The argument intensified when Respicio raised questions about alleged actions involving tobacco farmers. The barangay official responded by criticizing the vice mayor, prompting both sides to exchange accusations, including calling each other “bastos” and “magnanakaw.”
At one point, the barangay official also accused Respicio of not working while continuing to receive a salary.
The confrontation eventually prompted police officers and other individuals present at the session to intervene and separate the officials.
Despite the confrontation, officials proceeded with the forum and continued discussing the utilization of tobacco excise tax funds.
