Suspended mayor criticizes acting Mayor Asis’ rule

By Felipe V Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz—Suspended Mayor Receliste Escolin has expressed dissatisfaction with the governance of Acting Mayor Braulio Godfrey “Botoy” Asis.

In a radio interview on Saturday, March 23, Escolin voiced his disappointment with how the 20 percent Development Fund from the municipal government of President Roxas was being managed by the punong barangays.

Before his suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman for simple misconduct on February 16, Escolin had intended to allocate projects to the punong barangays without political opponents during the last Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

However, Escolin alleges that Asis has taken over this task, bypassing the village chiefs.

Escolin suggests that the acting mayor’s decision has a political motive aimed at securing the support of the punong barangays for his political ambitions.

“There are a lot of priorities to do for the good of the town rather than playing politics. It is a clear indication that Asis is desperate, the reason why he did this,” Escolin remarked.

Asis had recently invited all punong barangays to a meeting to discuss priority projects in their villages, but only 7 attended.

With 22 barangays in President Roxas, the majority of punong barangays back Escolin.

In a previous interview with Daily Guardian, Asis indicated his interest in running for mayor in the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, Escolin plans to repaint the public plaza when he resumes office on May 17, 2024. He criticized the color changes Asis made, which both he and many locals reportedly dislike.

Escolin, feeling aggrieved by the alterations made during Asis’ three-month administration, has pledged to finance the plaza’s repainting with his own funds.

Asis has not yet responded to Escolin’s claims.