LIPA CITY, BATANGAS — In a dramatic clash between grassroots labor advocacy and entrenched local power, Kamanggagawa Party-list Representative Elijah San Fernando has been declared persona non grata by elements of the Lipa City Council—but the lawmaker isn’t just refusing to apologize. He’s demanding answers: Whose voices really matter in Lipa—the politicians or the workers?
The controversy erupted after Rep. San Fernando made sharp public criticisms against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, a native son of Lipa and husband of former Mayor and entertainment icon Vilma Santos-Recto. While San Fernando has not disclosed the full text of his remarks, insiders confirm they centered on national economic policies allegedly favoring big business over rank-and-file laborers—including issues like stagnant wages, underfunded social protection programs, and the continued prevalence of contractualization in government-funded projects.
In response, Lipa City Councilor Nilo Catipon reportedly moved to file a resolution branding San Fernando persona non grata—a symbolic but politically charged gesture used by local councils to express disapproval of individuals deemed “disrespectful” or “detrimental” to the city’s interests.
But instead of retreating, San Fernando doubled down.
“Walang problema sa akin. Hindi ko kinukwestiyon ang karapatan ng Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Lipa, lalo na ni Konsehal Catipon, na ipasa ang resolusyon na gawin akong persona non grata,” San Fernando declared in a statement obtained by Balitang Huli.
“Kung sa tingin nila ay hindi ako welcome sa Lipa, okay lang. Ang tanong ko lang: ito bang desisyon ay sumasalamin sa kagustuhan ng mga manggagawang taga-Lipa—o lang sa ilang politiko na nasa posisyon?”
A SYMBOLIC SLAP—BUT WITH POLITICAL WEIGHT
Legal experts note that a persona non grata declaration carries no legal force—it cannot ban anyone from entering a city or strip them of rights. However, in the Philippine political arena, it functions as a public rebuke, often signaling alignment with powerful local clans or a rejection of outside interference.
And in Lipa, few names carry more weight than Recto.
Ralph Recto, now Executive Secretary under President Marcos Jr., is not only a former Senate President and Finance Secretary—he is part of a political dynasty deeply woven into Lipa’s civic and cultural identity. His wife, Vilma Santos-Recto, served as mayor for over a decade and remains one of the city’s most beloved figures.
Critics argue that San Fernando’s remarks—however policy-focused—were seen as an affront to this legacy. Pro-Recto allies in the city council appear to have taken swift symbolic action to defend their native son.
“THIS IS ABOUT WORKERS—NOT PERSONALITIES,” SAN FERNANDO INSISTS
Undeterred, Rep. San Fernando insists his critique was never personal.
“Hindi ito laban kay Ralph Recto bilang tao. Ito ay laban sa mga patakaran na pumipinsala sa ordinaryong manggagawa—ang mga construction worker, factory employee, at jeepney driver na walang boses sa Malacañang o sa mga closed-door meetings sa Department of Finance,” he said.
He emphasized that as the representative of Kamanggagawa, a party-list mandated to amplify laborer concerns in Congress, he has a duty to speak out—even if it means facing political blowback.
“Kung takot ako magsalita, sino pa ang magsasalita para sa kanila?” he challenged.
PUBLIC REACTION DIVIDED
On social media, reactions are split. Supporters hail San Fernando as a rare politician willing to confront elite interests. “Finally, someone who’s not afraid to call out the system—even in Recto’s backyard,” one user posted.
Others, particularly from Lipa, accused him of “disrespecting” the city. “You don’t attack a son of Lipa and expect a warm welcome,” read a viral comment on a local news page.
Meanwhile, the Lipa City Council has not yet formally voted on the resolution. As of press time, Councilor Catipon has declined multiple requests for comment from Balitang Huli.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Political analysts warn this incident could signal a broader national trend: as economic pressures mount, progressive lawmakers are increasingly clashing with traditional political networks—even at the local level.
For San Fernando, the persona non grata label may become a badge of honor—one he’ll likely leverage in upcoming labor rallies and congressional hearings.
But the deeper question lingers: In cities like Lipa, where political dynasties and public sentiment intertwine, can dissent ever be truly welcome?
One thing is certain: Rep. Elijah San Fernando isn’t backing down.
“Hindi ako aatras,” he said firmly. “Habang may manggagawang naghihirap, sasalita ako—kahit gawin pa nila akong persona non grata sa buong Pilipinas.”
— Balitang Huli with the story that doesn’t just break news… it breaks silence.
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