Escolin expects usurpation complaint to be dismissed

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — President Roxas Mayor Receliste “Tanoy” Escolin expressed confidence that an usurpation of official functions complaint filed by former Vice Mayor Alfonso Golero would be dismissed.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, July 16, Escolin said his assumption of office was lawful and violated no law because he defeated three opponents and formally took his oath as mayor.

He said the cancellation of his certificate of candidacy remained under review because his camp had pursued further legal remedies.

Escolin also said his camp had challenged a ruling in a separate quo warranto case.

He said the legal disputes remained unresolved pending final and executory rulings from the courts.

Golero, the barangay chairman of Cabugcabug in President Roxas, filed the complaint with the Capiz Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Roxas City.

The complaint accused Escolin of usurpation of official functions under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code.

Article 177 covers, among other acts, performing an official function under the pretense of holding a government position without being lawfully entitled to do so.

The complaint remains subject to evaluation by prosecutors, who determine whether sufficient grounds exist to hold a respondent for trial under Rule 112 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure.

The Comelec First Division canceled Escolin’s certificate of candidacy in a resolution dated July 11, 2025, citing material misrepresentation related to the constitutional three-term limit for local elective officials.

The Comelec en banc later denied Escolin’s motion for reconsideration, affirming the cancellation.

Escolin subsequently filed a petition for certiorari with the Supreme Court in January.

The 1987 Constitution prohibits local elective officials, except barangay officials, from serving more than three consecutive terms.