By Felipe V. Celino
PRES. ROXAS, Capiz — Acting Mayor Braulio Godfrey “Botoy” Asis has dismissed claims of lavish spending for the recent Municipal and Religious Town Fiesta held from April 26 to May 1, 2024, stating that the festivities were conducted with simplicity.
In response to criticisms from suspended Mayor Receliste “Tanoy” Escolin, Asis told the Daily Guardian that the municipal government spent P1.5 million on the event, which was well-received by residents and visitors.
“We never spent too much to make it grandiose. We simply celebrate the fiesta without spending too much of the people’s money,” he emphasized.
The political rift between Asis and Escolin, former allies, deepened after Escolin was suspended for 90 days by the Office of the Ombudsman for simple misconduct.
The issue arose from his unauthorized departure from the town, violating protocols requiring permission from the governor.
Escolin, set to resume his duties on May 16 after his suspension, has expressed irritation over Asis’s announcement of running for mayor in the upcoming election.
Escolin plans to support his wife’s candidacy for mayor while he pursues a congressional seat in Capiz’s First District.
Escolin has criticized Asis’s administration, particularly over the repainting of the public plaza and the appointment of an employee to head a local government department.
However, Asis contends that he is authorized under the Local Government Code to fill vacancies as needed for public service, despite being acting mayor.
Escolin has also faced criticism for appearing at public events, such as the distribution of cash assistance to victims of Typhoon Ursula and a visit by Senator Imee Marcos to Pres. Roxas, despite his suspension.
He defended his actions by noting his role in securing financial aid from the national government and his familial connection to Senator Marcos, which he argued necessitated his presence at these events.
