The Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Alfredo Garbin as mayor of Legazpi City.
This transpired after a writ of execution was issued relative to the certificate of finality and entry of judgment regarding the disqualification of Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal, her husband Governor Noel Rosal, and Councilor Jose Alfonso Barizo during the 2022 national and local elections.
The Supreme Court promulgated its decision in the consolidated cases dated October 22, 2024, affirming its disqualification of the Rosals and Barizo for violating the Omnibus Election Code in connection with the disbursement and release of government funds during the prohibited period
The Comelec en banc has previously disqualified the candidacy of Mayor Rosal for violating the 45-day election ban by giving aid to senior citizens and tricycle drivers a few days before the 2022 elections.
The SC also lifted the status quo ante that it issued on May 11, 2023, thus the Comelec constituted and convened today the three-member special board of canvassers of Legazpi City.
Newly-proclaimed Mayor Garbin said in an interview that he followed proper rules and procedures when a filed a motion for intervention to assume the mayoral post of Legazpi City after Rosal was disqualified.
Garbin also explained that he filed his motion for intervention on time, during the trial and hearing before the Comelec.
Garbin is set to serve as Legazpi City mayor until June 30, 2025, and will also remain as second nominee of the Ako Bicol Partylist in the midterm elections in May 2025.
He stressed that as city mayor, his administration will focus on scaling up infrastructure projects including public works, health, education, agriculture, transportation, tourism, water system, and economic development.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Comelec proclaims Garbin as new Legazpi mayor.”
