By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Many were surprised when Pres. Roxas Mayor Receliste Tanoy Escolin, a last-term mayor, filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday morning, October 8, at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) municipal office.
Escolin was joined by his running mate for vice mayor and candidates for the Sangguniang Bayan. The group, including their supporters, wore orange shirts during the filing.
In a media interview on Tuesday, Escolin explained that he will be unable to complete his current term, which ends in June 2025, due to a 90-day suspension imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman for simple misconduct. His suspension occurred from February to May of this year.
Escolin cited an opinion from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and a prior Supreme Court (SC) decision in claiming that his public service was “interrupted” due to the Ombudsman’s penalty.
This interruption, according to Escolin, is the reason he filed his COC for mayor of Pres. Roxas, aiming to complete his unfinished public service.
Under the Local Government Code, local chief executives are limited to three terms, or nine years, in office, after which they are barred from seeking re-election.
Escolin said he is prepared to respond if anyone challenges his decision.
However, veteran lawyer James Bereber argued that Escolin’s suspension does not qualify as an interruption of public service or a “discontinuity of term.”
Bereber referenced a Supreme Court ruling, stating that temporary incapacity or disqualification, even if involuntary, such as extended illness, force majeure, or suspension (whether as a penalty or preventive), does not interrupt an official’s term of office.
He explained that an official retains their title despite being unable to perform their duties.
Reports also indicated that Escolin’s wife has filed her COC for mayor as a contingency in case the incumbent mayor is disqualified.
