THE Bacolod City Council is eyeing to pass a resolution declaring Ben Tulfo as persona non-grata after he allegedly maligned and disrespected Mayor Evelio Leonardia on his program that was posted on social media last week.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said on Monday, December 9, they will hold a caucus meeting with the majority members of the City Council this week to discuss the matter.
"It was unethical. He [Tulfo] disrespected Mayor Bing as well as the Bacolodnons," the vice-mayor said.
On Friday, December 6, a certain "Norma" sought the assistance of Tulfo after their basketball team FPJ's Team Promdi, which held a game for a cause with the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) in the city on October 26, allegedly failed to get their payment for the event.
She mentioned the names of Councilor Al Victor Espino and some BCPO officials. Tulfo then interviewed Leonardia via phone.
"The way he [Tulfo] treated our mayor was very inappropriate," Familiaran said.
Leonardia has clarified that the basketball game was not part of the MassKara Festival event.
"I am not involved on this as well as the city government," he said.
Espino, for his part, said the basketball event dubbed as "FPJ's Team Promdi vs Artistahing BacoleƱos" was not an official event of the city's MassKara Festival.
"It did not involve Mayor Leonardia, nor was it part of the MassKara highlighted events. I was only involved as one of the sponsors having paid for the venue using my personal private funds," he said.
Espino added he only assisted the BCPO as they approached him for assistance being the chairperson on the committee of peace and order, and even in the selling of tickets just to help them raise funds.
"I will answer the issue at the proper forum," the councilor said.
On BCPO's Facebook account, it clarified that the basketball game was an event for a cause by FJPE Event Management aimed to raise funds for the projects and advocacies of BCPO and elicit interests of the youth, especially those under recovery and wellness programs.
They also clarified that Leonardia has no participation in the event.
SunStar Bacolod has yet to reach Tulfo for his comment. SunStar Bacolod remains open for his side.