Cavite town has new mayor

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — With only a few months left before the 2025 midterm elections, the town of Silang in Cavite has welcomed a new mayor folowing the dismissal of the former local chief executive by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Edward Carranza, former chief of the Calabarzon police, took his oath before Judge Kamille Joyce Carranza-Ditangan of the Municipal Trial Court of Carmona on Oct. 31.

Carranza replaced Kevin Anarna, who was dismissed on Oct. 8, according to Glenda Callanta, Silang public information officer.

Councilor Mat Toledo took his oath as vice mayor.

The ombudsman found Anarna guilty of grave misconduct and serious dishonesty. The charges stemmed from a complaint of alleged illegal and irregular procurement as well as nepotism.

The cases are still under review by the ombudsman.

Aside from Anarna, the ombudsman dismissed his brother Nathaniel Anarna Jr., former muncipal administrator and chief of the bids and awards committee.

Meanwhile, in Abra, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) installed Russel Bragas as acting vice governor following the suspension of Vice Gov. Ma. Jocelyn Valera-Bernos.

Bragas received an order issued by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, designating him as acting vice governor to fill the vacuum and maintain the operation of the provincial government.

In August, the Office of the President suspend Bernos for 18 months after she was found guilty of oppression, abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming of a public official and disobedience to national government policies.

The suspension stemmed from Bernos’ order shutting down the Dr. Petronillo Seares Sr. Memorial Hospital during the COVID pandemic in December 2020.

Hospital director Voltaire Seares filed the complaint against Bernos.