By: Chito A. Chavez
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) clarified that arrested Ozamiz Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog cannot serve as acting mayor while behind bars.
Ozamiz second councilor Girlet Luansing was appointed acting mayor while third councilor Michael Tagal became the city’s acting vice mayor.
Under normal circumstances, the highest ranked councilor should have assumed the post of acting mayor when the two highest officials of the locality are indisposed due to various reasons.
However, in this case, first councilor Ricardo “Ardot” Parajinog went missing after being one of the subjects of the search warrants served by the police on Sunday.
DILG officer-in-charge (OIC) Catalino Cuy said the local government code was followed in the succession of officials in Ozamiz City.
He explained that under the local government code, the highest ranking councilor should be appointed as acting mayor if both the mayor and vice mayor are unable to serve.
The DILG chief added that the vice mayor could not serve as acting mayor since she had been arrested and is under police detention.
