“I deserve to be suspended” — Reina Mercedes VM Respicio ready to face penalty over viral clash

REINA MERCEDES, Isabela — Reina Mercedes Vice Mayor Atty. Harold Respicio said he was willing to accept suspension over his conduct during a heated exchange with a barangay captain that went viral on social media, acknowledging that his behavior should not be emulated by other government officials.

“I think I deserve to be suspended, to be honest with you,” Respicio said in an interview with XFM-Santiago, adding that he would gladly accept suspension if imposed by the proper authorities.

“I don't think that I should be emulated by government officials and vice mayors. So, if they intend na isuspend ako, I'd gladly accept it,” he added.

The vice mayor’s remarks came after a confrontation during a session of the Sangguniang Bayan in which he was seen shouting at and pointing toward a barangay captain while calling the official a thief. The incident circulated on social media and drew criticism over the conduct of elected officials.

Despite expressing willingness to face possible disciplinary action, Respicio maintained that the questions he raised about public funds should also be investigated.

The controversy also drew a response from Isabela Vice Governor Francis Faustino “Kiko” A. Dy, who emphasized that public officials can demand explanations and question the use of government funds without resorting to disrespectful behavior.

In a Facebook livestream, Dy said, “Pwede kang magtanong tungkol sa pera ng bayan, pwede kang humingi ng paliwanag, pwede kang magreklamo kung may nakikita kang mali. Pero pwede naman po natin gawin ang lahat ng iyon na may paggalang, dahil ang paggalang ay hindi kahinaan at ang pagtatanong ay hindi kawalan ng respeto.”

Although Dy did not directly name Respicio, he played a video interview featuring the vice mayor and discussed the importance of accountability and respect in public service.

Dy also stressed that admitting a mistake and apologizing do not remove a person’s responsibility to correct the behavior or face the consequences.

“Hindi ibig sabihin na kapag humingi ng tawad ay wala nang pananagutan. May mga bagay pa rin kailangan ayusin, may mga prosesong dapat sundin, pero sana may matutunan tayong lahat,” he said.

The vice governor further urged public officials and the public to consider how their words and actions influence children, particularly when disagreements are aired on social media.

The incident has sparked discussion about the need to balance accountability in the use of public funds with professionalism and respect among elected officials.