CEBU, Philippines - Businessman Fermin Dasmariñas finally took his oath of office yesterday as barangay captain of Poblacion Pardo, saying he will consider as “resigned” all personnel of the barangay earlier appointed by political rival Danilo Lim as he assumes office today.
Dasmariñas, an ally of administration group Bando Osmeña- Pundok Kauswagan, also obtained a Writ of Execution on the ruling of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities, which showed he actually won by 134 votes over Lim in the October 2007 barangay elections.
Lim had appealed the recount ruling before the Commission on Elections but the Comelec First Division denied the appeal.
Dasmariñas took his oath before Acting Vice Mayor Hilario Davide III in a simple ceremony at the Legislative Building. Some city councilors were also present during the ceremony.
Owing to reports that Lim and his supporters would refuse to vacate the barangay hall, Dasmariñas had requested police escort, as the court sheriff implements the Writ of Execution.
“Ang mahitabo ana nga pahibaw-on sa court sheriff ang mga nagdumala sa barangay hall nga ang bag-ong kapitan mao na si Fermin Dasmariñas unya pasudlon sa sheriff ang bag-ong kapitan ug palingkuron sa iyang opisina,” said Dasmariñas’ lawyer Delon Urot.
Lim earlier said he will only vacate the barangay hall if Dasmariñas can show him a Writ of Execution from the Commission of Elections central office in Manila.
But a Lim appointee said, “Aw kon siya na’y makalingkod, manghipos lang mi ug mupahawa kay magdala man sab g’yud na siya ug iyang mga tawo.”
Urot said Lim can still file a motion for reconsideration on the ruling of the Comelec First Division before the Comelec En Banc and may even fight the matter to the Supreme Court if the En Banc would rule against him. However, Lim reportedly cannot stop Dasmariñas from assuming as barangay captain. — Rene U. Borromeo/JMO (THE FREEMAN)