Legazpi mayor says she did not relinquish post

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal of Legazpi City said she would continue to serve as local chief executive after the Supreme Court issued a status quo ante order on her disqualification.

Rosal said she has not stepped down from her post.

“Hindi naman tayo nag-stop. Supposed to be pag na-proclaim na sya na sinabi sa May 19, saka lang tayo mag-stop na mag-function as a local chief executive,” she said, referring to second placer Alfredo Garbin Jr., who, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be installed as the new city mayor.

“Patuloy na at wala nang agam-agam na ituloy ang proyekto at programa ng gobyerno,” Rosal said in an interview over dzRH.

Rosal questioned the Comelec decision to install Garbin and not the vice mayor as mayor once the ruling on her disqualification becomes final.

Rosal’s husband, Noel, the former Albay governor, who was also disqualified by the Comelec, was ordered to relinquish his post to Albay Vice Gov. Edcel Lagman Jr.

“Yan din ang aming pinagtataka. Kaya nga siguro, itong issue ang nag-prompt sa Supreme Court kaya nagpalabas sila agad ng status quo ante order dahil may mga inconsistencies silang nakita,” Rosal said.

Rosal was disqualified for violating the 45-day spending ban in the May 2022 polls.

The Comelec said she joined an activity for the payout of cash aid for tricycle drivers 40 days before election day.