SAN PABLO CITY — The Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Pablo City has approved a resolution declaring Rick Jayson Tatlonghari as persona non grata, citing concerns over misrepresentation of public authority and dissemination of allegedly misleading statements. Three councilors, Barbie Diaz, Cesarito Ticzon, and John Adajar, did not join the measure, indicating a divergence of opinion within the legislative body.
Councilor Carmela Acebedo, who filed the resolution, stated that Tatlonghari publicly referred to himself as “City Administrator” without council confirmation. After the Civil Service Commission denied his appointment, he identified himself as a “consultant” while continuing to speak publicly in a manner that some say could imply official authority.
The declaration is linked to recent discussions over the Pamaskong Handog program, a ₱45 million Noche Buena package requested by Mayor Najie Gapangada for approximately 85,000 families in San Pablo. The council deferred the request for further study to ensure compliance with legal and procurement rules. As a result, the public bidding process now requires a 45-day posting period, which may affect the timing of the program distribution.
Some statements circulated by Tatlonghari alleged that the council deliberately delayed the program, though official records show the mayor’s endorsement was promptly received and referred to the proper committee. The committee conducted hearings despite disruptions caused by a recent typhoon.
It is important to note that a persona non grata declaration is largely symbolic. While it expresses the council’s formal disapproval, it does not legally prevent an individual from entering the city or performing duties under the executive branch. Forcibly barring someone could encroach on executive authority, which is distinct from the legislative powers of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Tatlonghari has not issued a detailed public response. Supporters argue that his statements aimed to highlight urgent needs and hold officials accountable, while critics view them as misleading and potentially disruptive to local governance.
The use of persona non grata declarations is a recognized mechanism in the Philippine local government, allowing councils to express disapproval of actions seen as prejudicial to public order or institutional integrity, while respecting the separation of powers. Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article III, Section 6, a person’s freedom of movement shall not be restricted, and persona non grata resolutions are symbolic, not legally preventing an individual from entering a locality or traveling freely.
Social media shows that the people of San Pablo are divided, debating issues from transparency and compassion to politicization of public programs, delays in service delivery, and the limits of freedom of speech and criticism.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
