Panay fills council seat after succession

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Alfred Nash Asis is the newest member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Panay, Capiz, after he formally took his oath of office before Gov. Fredenil “Oto” Castro on Tuesday morning, May 12, at the Capiz Provincial Capitol.

Asis assumed the seat vacated by SB member Paolo Besa, who became vice mayor through the rule of succession following the death of Vice Mayor Julius Luis Asis.

Julius Luis Asis, 45, of Barangay Poblacion Tabuc, Panay, died Jan. 31, 2026, due to an illness.

Paolo Besa, the top-ranking SB member, officially took his oath of office as vice mayor on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 3, 2026.

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

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

Family members, Mayor Besa and other Panay town officials attended Alfred Nash Asis’ oath-taking.