Elected mayor to take oath before brgy chair

CEBU, Philippines - Dumaguete City Mayor-elect Felipe Antonio "Ipe" Remollo wanted a barangay chair to administer his oath of office on June 30, which will be the first to happen in the city and Negros Oriental province.

Remollo named Piapi Barangay Chair Tomasa "Mam" Amor, who is the oldest village chief in Dumaguete City and last termer barangay captain of the barangay, as the one who will administer the mayor's oath.  

Amor was among the more than 10 barangays captains of Dumaguete who successfully convinced Remollo to run as mayor in tandem with his cousin Councilor Antonio "Tony Rems" Remollo.

Junob village chief Isagani Bana was also instrumental in forming the group behind the Remollo political bid, under Lupad Dumaguete team.

Amor, despite her age, made it a point to be present in most of the for a (pulong-pulongs) conducted by Lupad Dumaguete, and was always requested by the mayor to lead the prayer during meetings, and gathering of leaders and supporters.

Republic Act 10755 had authorized the barangay chief to administer the oath of office of any government official, including the president.

After taking his oath before Amor, Remollo will then administer the oathtaking of the six councilors-elect under his team: Alan Cordova, Karissa Tolentino and Jo Kenneth Arbas, and reelected Councilors Lilani Ramon, Michael Bandal and Manny Arbon.

Meanwhile, Remollo will also administer the oath of Calindagan No. 1 councilman to be the next barangay chair, replacing village chief Chako Sagarbarria, who was elected as city councilor.

Under the rule of succession, Remollo will then appoint a replacement of the vacated post of councilman from a list of nominees by the Barangay Council. —(FREEMAN)