BACOLOD City lone district Representative Anthony Golez categorically denied that there is a conflict between him and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
The conflict is being floated as the reason for the absence of the mayor in the anti-dengue projects launched by Golez and Health Secretary Enrique Ona Friday at Villa Esperanza Elementary School, Tangub, Bacolod City.
Golez was surprised when he was asked during the press conference if indeed they have a standing conflict.
"I heard that the mayor was at the Regional Tourism Assembly, which was held in time of the anti-dengue project launch. In fact, the mayor's name was included in the tarpaulin, which was placed as the backdrop of the stage. His name, along with my name and that of our other guests, was there," Golez said.
"We are not in conflict with each other," Golez added.
According to Golez, health transcends any other issue and that there is no politics in health issues.
"We have a common goal here which is to fight dengue. It is good that both sides are working for the good of the people," Golez added.
Even Health Secretary Ona said he never heard of the conflict between the two officials.
"The mayor called me while I was on my way to Villa Esperanza and he was at the Regional Tourism Assembly," he said.
Ona said politics will always be around, but it is just a matter of differences of opinions. Even the Cabinet officials engage in debates as part of the democratic exercise, he added. (Carla N. Cañet)