Capiz Mayor Claims Receiving Death Threat After Filing COC

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Mayor Receliste “Tanoy” Escolin claimed that he received a death threat after filing his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for mayor of Pres. Roxas in next year’s elections.

Escolin said he had received threats in the past, which did not materialize. This time, however, he noted that the offer for a potential contract killing has increased.

In a Facebook live interview last week, Escolin stated that he already knew who was behind the threats and how much the offers were. He added that two groups are interested in carrying out the plan to kill him.

“It’s not just one group, but two groups planning to kill me. I have a video recording showing who is behind these threats,” Escolin stressed.

He claimed that two former officials of Pres. Roxas were involved in financing the plot, with the price lowered from P2 million to P1.6 million.

Escolin further alleged that a ‘most wanted’ individual in Region 6, disguised as a member of the LGBTQ community, had been hired to assassinate him.

Despite the threats, the mayor assured he is ready to face any danger, anytime and anywhere.

“You won’t get me easily. Remember that. Whatever plans you have to kill me, make sure you succeed. Because if you don’t, I’ll go after your entire family,” Escolin warned.

Escolin explained that he filed his COC because he will be unable to complete his current term, which ends in June 2025, due to a 90-day suspension imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman for simple misconduct. His suspension ran from February to May of this year.

He cited an opinion from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and a prior Supreme Court decision, claiming his public service was “interrupted” due to the Ombudsman’s penalty.

According to Escolin, this interruption is why he filed his COC for mayor again, aiming to complete his unfinished public service.

Under the Local Government Code, local chief executives are limited to three terms, or nine years, in office, after which they are barred from seeking re-election.

Escolin said he is prepared to respond if anyone challenges his candidacy.

However, veteran lawyer James Bereber argued that Escolin’s suspension does not qualify as an interruption of public service or a “discontinuity of term.”

Bereber cited a Supreme Court ruling, stating that temporary incapacity or disqualification, even if involuntary, such as extended illness, force majeure, or suspension (whether as a penalty or preventive), does not interrupt an official’s term of office.