Vice mayor assumes as Batangas town OIC

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — The vice mayor of Mabini in Batangas yesterday assumed as officer-in-charge of the town after the incumbent mayor was arrested on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Vice Mayor Leonido Bantugon assumed the post due to the temporary vacancy created by the arrest of Mayor Nilo Villanueva on Saturday along with his two brothers.

An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government said the DILG need not issue an order on Villanueva’s replacement as the law provides that the vice mayor can assume the post automatically if the mayor is incapable of discharging his duties.

“If the case will not prosper or the court acquits him, Villanueva can return to office,” the official said.

Villanueva’s counsel, Cipriano Asilo, said his client remains and functioned as mayor of Mabini as of yesterday.

“Our local government code provides that the vice mayor can take charge only if the mayor fails to perform his duties within three days,” Asilo said.

Meanwhile, prosecutors are examining the pieces of evidence submitted by the police against Villanueva and his brothers.

Asilo said the Department of Justice (DOJ) might issue a resolution on the inquest today.

“Whatever the result of the inquest, whether it’s for the filing of charges or release for further investigation, depends on the prosecutor. We have available remedies for those,” Asilo said.

The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has been holding Villanueva and his brothers. Until the DOJ issues a resolution, they will remain in CIDG custody.

The Villanueva camp said the arrest was politically motivated.

The CIDG said it secured warrants from the court for the police operation against the Villanuevas. – Neil Jayson Servallos, Ralph Edwin Villanueva