DESPITE SUSPENSION: ‘Escolin thinks he is still mayor’

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz—Mayor Receliste Escolin, despite a three-month suspension, continues to behave as the chief executive of President Roxas town, refusing to acknowledge the sanction.

This, as local citizens have noted Escolin’s dissatisfaction with the governance of Acting Mayor Braulio Godfrey “Botoy” Asis.

“For decency’s sake, Escolin should keep his mouth shut and allow the acting mayor to govern,” said a concerned citizen preferring anonymity.

Escolin’s suspension is set to conclude on May 17, 2024.

Although barred from town administration duties, Escolin has voiced his discontent with the management of the 20 percent Development Fund by the punong barangays, following a poorly attended meeting called by Asis to discuss village priorities.

Out of 22 barangays, the majority of punong barangays support Escolin.

Escolin recently appeared alongside Sen. Imee Marcos during her financial aid distribution in President Roxas.

In a prior interview with the Daily Guardian, Asis expressed intentions to vie for the mayoralty in the forthcoming elections.

Last year, Escolin had declared plans to endorse his wife for mayor and seek the congressional seat of the First District of Capiz.

Escolin, before his suspension by the Ombudsman for simple misconduct on February 16, had planned to assign projects to cooperative punong barangays. He now accuses Asis of assuming this role for political gain.

“There are many priorities for the town’s welfare instead of indulging in politics. Asis is clearly desperate,” Escolin commented.

On March 25, Asis refuted Escolin’s allegations to the Daily Guardian, insisting on simply fortifying and properly executing the ongoing programs and projects.

“I’m only reinforcing and properly implementing the program and project,” Asis emphasized.

Asis, surprised by Escolin’s criticism, remarked on their past affiliation with the same political party and announced his support for Paolo Gerardo Roxas for congressman in the First District of Capiz.