Final: Arcilla out, Guardo in

CEBU, Philippines — Despite winning in the last May elections, Cebu City North District councilor Alvin Arcilla cannot assume office for a fresh term after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc issued a writ of execution for his disqualification.

Yesterday, the en banc chairman, Sheriff Abas, signed the writ of execution for the implementation of its earlier decision disqualifying Arcilla from running in the last election bid.

This was after Allen Canoy, the petitioner, a resident of Barangay Apas, Cebu City,  filed the motion for execution last June 21 through his legal counsel.

The First Division and en banc ruled that elective officials shall observe the three-term limit rule in public office as provided under Section 8, Article X of the 1987 Constitution and Section 43 (b) of Republic Act No. 7160 or Local Government Code of 1991.

Therefore, they said Arcilla is not eligible to run for another term for he has served as city councilor for three terms already.

En banc has also directed the poll body to convene the Special City Board of Canvassers (SCBOC) of the north district at 10 a.m. in Comelec Manila.

The SCBOC is composed of Atty. Abigail Justine Cuaresma-Lilagan (chairperson), Atty. John Rex  Laudiangco (vice-chairperson), Dir. Ester Villafor-Roxas (member) and three support staff.

Aside from proclaiming Jerry Guardo who ranked 9th to replace Arcilla, the SCBOC shall declare that all votes of Arcilla are considered stray votes.

Comelec-Cebu City North District election officer Marchel Sarno told The FREEMAN that they received the copy of the writ of execution at 5:30 p.m. yesterday.

The FREEMAN tried to get the statement of Arcilla but he was unavailable as of this writing.

In a separate interview, Guardo said was grateful of the opportunity that has been given to him to further serve the constituents of the city. (FREEMAN)