Pilar town vice mayor resigns due to illness

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The vice mayor of Pilar, Capiz, Doujie Jack Cantiller, tendered his resignation on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, due to a medical condition requiring serious attention.

In a Facebook post, Cantiller announced that he would officially step down from his position after 15 years of public service.

“With a heavy heart, I now step down as your vice mayor to focus on my health. I can no longer give 100% service due to my illness,” he said in his statement.

Cantiller added that his wife, Dorothy “Doti” Arcenas Cantiller, will continue his public service. She is expected to be appointed as a member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Pilar, filling the vacancy left by her husband.

According to his wife, Cantiller, fondly known as “Dodoy Jack” by friends and constituents, is suffering from a rare illness suspected to be linked to lead poisoning, possibly originating from gasoline or large fish consumption.

Reports indicate that the number one Sangguniang Bayan member, Antonio Bargo, will assume the vice mayor’s post.

Cantiller, the son of Nono Douglas and Ma’am Angel Cantiller of Barangay Casanayan, Pilar, has rarely reported to his office or attended Sangguniang Bayan sessions in recent months due to health issues. He is set to travel abroad for treatment.

Meanwhile, Mayor Arnold Perez stated on Thursday, September 26, that he had yet to officially receive Cantiller’s resignation letter.

However, he had been aware of Cantiller’s plans to step down for several months, as the vice mayor had filed multiple leave applications due to his health condition.

Perez added that the law of succession would be applied once the resignation letter is formally received.