Mayor Reelected Amid Term Limit Controversy
A mayor in Capiz who was suspended earlier this year managed to win reelection in the May 2025 midterm elections. The mayor, Receliste Escolin, was proclaimed the winner for the Municipality of President Roxas on May 13, 2025.
However, his victory came amid a petition seeking to cancel his Certificate of Candidacy (COC). The petition challenged his eligibility by arguing that he exceeded the term limit for elected officials.
Suspension and Its Impact on Term Limits
Escolin had been suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for three months starting February 2025 for simple misconduct. He firmly argues that this suspension interrupted his term, which means he did not serve three consecutive full terms as mayor.
“Ang former punong barangay rin at dalawang kapitan ang nag-file ng petition. Actually, inutusan lang sila,” Escolin said regarding those who filed the petition against him.
He further explained, “Pinaintindi rin natin ang ating term na na-interrupt. Hindi natin na straight sa three consecutive terms bilang mayor ng President Roxas.” This means he believes the suspension breaks the continuity of his service, allowing him to run again.
Commission on Elections Response
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Capiz stated that Escolin will continue to serve as mayor while awaiting a decision from the COMELEC Central Office. Since the petition was filed directly to the central office and not through the provincial COMELEC, no suspension of proclamation order has been issued.
A local election supervisor said, “In as far as the Provincial Office ng COMELEC is concerned, hindi kasi ito dumaan sa amin kundi diretso nag-file sa Manila. Pero kung i-base natin ang fact na naano siya, na-proclaim being the winning candidate sa pagka-mayor sa President Roxas, meaning nito, walang order of suspension of proclamation. It is safe to say na pending pa ang case niya.” This means the case is still pending, and Escolin remains the proclaimed winner for now.
Ongoing Developments
Efforts to obtain comments from the petitioners have so far been unsuccessful. The dispute highlights the complexities surrounding term limits and election rules, especially when suspensions intervene.
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