Centena all-set to assume post
The countdown begins for the installation of soon-to-be mayor (anew) of Calinog, Iloilo. Or so it is for his camp following the Writ of Execution filed as last stumbling block to said return in public office.
As such, Alex Centena is all set to hold office and reclaim his lost glory as Calinog’s chief executive. This, despite earlier media interviews granted by the sitting mayor, Salvador Divinagracia hinting that the fight is far from over.
Centena in a recent Commission on Elections (Comelec) En Banc Decision was declared as the rightful winner in a hotly contested election of said town. His victory was actually for the post of town vice mayor yet with the passing of Mayor Teodoro Lao, succession called for the vice mayor to assume mayorship. A few votes – 13 to be exact – made the difference in what has now become one of the controversial election cases in Iloilo.
The Comelec En Banc eventually ruled against Divinagracia’s favor stating that the questioned ballots were indeed marked thus invalid.
Reached for update, Centena said he has since complied with the legal requirement to effect his installation.
The News Today (TNT) in a check with lawyer Ferdinand Panes learned that no orders on the Centena-Divinagracia case reached his office yet. Panes is the chief legal officer of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 6.
Panes said though that it would have to be with the Comelec Regional Office 6 first that any ‘installation’ moves will begin.
At any rate, Panes assured that the DILG here will comply with lawful orders once issued.
Centena in a Bombo Radyo interview expressed optimism on his ultimate victory. And if need be, Centena said he can hold office in the town plaza should the mayor’s office will not be vacated.