Virac, Catanduanes — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has outlined three separate succession mechanisms to fill leadership and membership vacancies in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Catanduanes following the preventive suspension of Vice Governor Robert Fernandez and eleven provincial board members.
In an interview with Radyo Peryodiko on Friday morning, May 29, 2026, Provincial Director Uldarico “Jun” Razal said the process is anchored on DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-21, Series of 2018, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the provincial legislature despite the sweeping suspensions.
According to Razal, the first system involves the succession of the highest-ranking SP official. Under this mechanism, Provincial Board Member (PBM) Fred Gianan will automatically assume the role of Acting Vice Governor, having garnered the highest number of votes among the remaining unsuspended regular members of the SP. PBM Xyrell Albaniel will serve as senior board member.
The second system covers the filling of vacancies among regular SP members through party representation replacement. Razal explained that replacements must come from the same political party as the suspended officials and will be recommended by the provincial party chair to the national party leadership.
The national party chair will then submit the nominations to the DILG Provincial Office for evaluation, before endorsement to the DILG Regional Office and final approval by the DILG Secretary.
At present, former Governor Joseph Cua serves as provincial chair of Lakas-CMD, while Vice Mayor Lemuel Surtida is the provincial chair of the NPC.
Among the suspended Lakas-CMD members are PBMs Josevan Balidoy, Jose Romeo Francisco, Edwin Tanael, Lorenzo Templonuevo Jr., Arnel Turado, and Santos Zafe, while PBM Giovanni Balmadrid of NPC is also included in the suspension order.
The third system applies to ex-officio members, where internal rules of their respective organizations will determine replacements.
Under the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), Virac Councilor Joseph “Toto” Mendoza, the league’s vice president, is expected to replace Ex-Officio Member Rafael Zuniega.
For the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), San Andres Councilor Honesto Lumabi is set to assume the position vacated by ABC President Tito Villamor.
Meanwhile, SK Federation Vice President and Bato SK Federation President Roy Buendia is expected to replace suspended SK Federation President and Ex-Officio Member Alvin V. Rodriguez.
It can be recalled that on May 22, 2026, the Office of the Ombudsman issued a preventive suspension order against Vice Governor Fernandez and eleven SP members in connection with administrative complaints filed by Governor Patrick Alain Azanza. The order was served to the respondents on May 28 at around 3:00 p.m.
The respondents face charges of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service—administrative offenses that may result in severe penalties if proven.
The Ombudsman said the preventive suspension is intended to prevent the respondents from influencing the ongoing investigation.
If the allegations are proven, the respondents may face up to one-year suspension or the maximum penalty of dismissal from service with forfeiture of benefits. However, if exonerated, they may be reinstated and recover benefits withheld during the suspension period.
As of press time, no official statement has been issued by the camp of the suspended officials. However, legal experts noted that the respondents may still avail of legal remedies, including motions challenging the Ombudsman’s order despite its immediate execution.
| Francis Benedict | Bicol Peryodiko Integrated News |
