Bulacan mayor under fire for berating residents, allegedly harassing Akbayan councilor

MANILA, Philippines — Former lawmaker and now San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan Mayor Rida Robes currently faces backlash for berating residents and allegedly harassing a councilor during a basketball game.

Robes was caught in a video scolding spectators at the game for heckling and repeatedly chanting “Tubig! Tubig!” (Water! Water!) upon her arrival at a sports complex on Sunday, August 23, reflecting residents’ concerns over water supply shortages in the city.

“Kung sinoman ang nag-uudyok sa inyo na walanghiyaan ang isang punong-lungsod at kongresista, aba, mahiya naman kayo!” Robes said.

(Whoever is inciting you to heckle a city mayor and congressman, have some shame!)

She was also caught pointing and shouting at Akbayan Councilor Ronalyn Pordan in public, allegedly accusing the councilor of instigating the chants.

In a statement, Akbayan partylist called out the alleged “harassment” of Pordan and demanded accountability from Robes.

“According to various accounts, Robes berated and confronted Pordan and accused her of instigating the crowd, which the councilor has strongly denied. There were also reports that people at the venue were made to surrender their mobile phones and forced to delete videos of the incident,” Akbayan said in a statement.

The group then urged Robes to explain herself and issue an apology.

“Akbayan also urges the citizens of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, to continue speaking up and expressing their grievances, even when their opinions and criticisms are uncomfortable for those in power,” they added.

Meanwhile, the City Youth Sports and Development Office and Liga ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan released an official statement on Tuesday, August 25, defending the city mayor.

The offices said the local government of San Jose Del Monte respects the rights of its residents to express grievances over poor services, but only in a proper manner.

“Hindi namin minamaliit o binabalewala ang mga hinaing ng ating mga kapwa San Joseño dahil sa patuloy na problema sa tubig…Ngunit mayroong tamang lugar, tamang panahon, at tamang paraan upang gawin ito,” the statement read.

(We are not undervaluing or ignoring the complaints of our fellow San Joseño about the continuing problems with water supply…But there is a proper place, proper time, and proper way of doing it.)