Three of eight vacant Antique SP seats filled

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has appointed three temporary members to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Antique, which has been struggling to function due to the suspension of several members.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. designated the three ex-officio members on September 2. They were chosen as the next-in-rank from their respective organizations.

The acting SP members are Mart Giric Galido of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, Ricky Lavega of the Philippine Councilors League, and Julius Pierre Pacificador of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

Their appointment follows Administrative Order No. 15, issued by the president, which allows temporary appointments to fill vacancies in local elective offices to prevent disruptions in government operations.

Abalos explained that before their official designation, the members were recommended by DILG Region VI and certified by DILG-Antique on August 19, confirming their status as next-in-rank.

This order takes effect during the period of temporary vacancies, caused by the suspension of the incumbent ex-officio members, based on an August 8 report from DILG Region VI.

Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao said she had consistently urged the DILG to expedite the appointments to restore quorum in the legislative body.

Without a quorum, no sessions have been held since the second week of August, delaying urgently needed legislation.

The Office of the Ombudsman suspended eight of the 14 SP members of Antique on August 1 for six months.

The suspended members are Egidio Elio, Rony Molina, Victor Condez, Alfie Jay Niquia, Plaridel Sanchez IV, Mayella Mae Ladislao, Kenneth Dave Gasalao, and Julius Cezar Tajanlangit.

Their suspension stems from an administrative complaint accusing them of oppression, grave misconduct, abuse of authority, and neglect, as well as violating Section 4 of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The Ombudsman found “sufficient grounds to preventively suspend [the members], considering there is strong evidence showing their guilt.”