Leyte solon proclaimed

Eufrocino "Dodong" Codilla Sr. was finally proclaimed as congressman of the 4th district of Leyte, albeit in absentia by the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBC) yesterday morning.

It was learned from Codilla’s lawyer, Ramon Teleron, that the 68-year-old former mayor of this city has to remain here for "security reason."

"We were informed from our agents that there are those who wanted to harm us," Codilla said in a press conference held at his guest house located in Barangay Doña Feliza Mejia of this city.

The PBC formally proclaimed Codilla at around 9:20 yesterday morning at the SMED Center in Tacloban City with his son and namesake, Eufrocino Codilla Jr. representing his father along with his lawyer, Teleron and Ruben Capahi.

The PBC was composed of Provincial Elections Supervisor Manuel Villegas as chairman with Atty. Teresita Lopez as vice-chairman and Rozabel Tajo as member-secretary.

The proclamation-in absentia of Codilla was also wintessed by close to 200 of his supporters, including eight members of the Ormoc City council.

Based on official results of the Comelec, Codilla garnered 71,350 votes against Victoria Locsin’s 53,447 votes.

"He (Codilla) could now proceed to Manila and take his seat at the House of Representatives," Villegas said.

He also told media during the same press conference that with Codilla’s proclamation, Locsin has no option but to vacate the post which she has been holding for barely three months. — Roberto Dejon