Escolin Takes Oath as Pres. Roxas Mayor Amid COC Case

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Receliste “Tanoy” Escolin took his oath of office as mayor of President Roxas, Capiz, on May 20 despite reports that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had nullified his candidacy.

Escolin was sworn in at noon before Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) Judge Hannibal Patricio of Pres. Roxas-Pilar.

He dismissed speculation about the Comelec’s decision, saying there has been no official ruling canceling his certificate of candidacy (COC).

Escolin earlier denied claims that his reelection bid was unconstitutional, asserting that he lawfully ran for office and was properly proclaimed.

He said he adhered to the 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code and called the allegations against him “misleading” and politically driven.

The Comelec proclaimed Escolin the winner with 9,893 votes, defeating Sangguniang Bayan member Bart Locsin, who received 7,787 votes.

Several individuals, including some barangay officials, questioned Escolin’s eligibility, citing that he had already completed three consecutive terms as mayor.

Two barangay officials filed a petition to cancel his COC, not a disqualification case, contrary to what his critics have claimed.

In 2024, Escolin was suspended for three months by the Office of the Ombudsman for grave misconduct after traveling outside Capiz in 2017 without a travel order from then-Governor Antonio Del Rosario.

Escolin said he is awaiting the Comelec’s official ruling on the petition and will disclose the outcome to the public once available.

The petitioners have asked the Comelec to expedite its decision to put the matter to rest.

Meanwhile, Escolin thanked the people of Pres. Roxas for their continued support during the recent election.

He pledged to pursue major projects, including an integrated transport terminal, a public plaza canopy, an eco-park for garbage management, and a community water system.

He also reported that construction of a dam in Barangay Bayuyan, funded by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) with a PHP850 million budget, is now 50% complete.