New Panay vice mayor vows transparent governance

By Felipe V. Celino

PANAY, Capiz — Newly installed Vice Mayor Paolo Besa vowed transparent governance and local legislation so constituents can better track the work of municipal lawmakers.

In an interview with the Daily Guardian on Wednesday, Feb. 11, Besa said he asked his colleagues in the Sangguniang Bayan to propose a digitalized Citizen Charter and post it on social media so everyone can access it.

Besa, 37, assumed as vice mayor on Feb. 3, 2026, following the death of Vice Mayor Julius Asis, 45, of Poblacion Tabuc, Panay, on Jan. 31, 2026.

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, or Republic Act 7160, the highest-ranking member of the municipal council assumes the role of vice mayor in cases of death or permanent incapacity to prevent a leadership vacuum and ensure continuity of basic services.

Besa said he will retain the staff of the late vice mayor, saying it is difficult to hire new workers with expertise in legislation.

He said he also wants to continue the advocacy and projects started by his predecessor.

“I will call a staff meeting to make the office of the vice mayor organize and delegate the tasks and duties of everyone to hasten the delivery of basic services to the people of Panay town,” he added.

Besa said he will wait for the family of the late vice mayor to decide who will fill the vacant Sangguniang Bayan seat created by his assumption as vice mayor.

Besa is the eldest son of Panay Mayor Jonathan “Sonny” Besa.

He is married to Richelle Angue of Tanza, Cavite, and they have one son.

A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Besa said he plans to pursue law studies at Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion in the area.