VIRAC, Catanduanes — Patrick Alain Azanza announced that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has officially designated temporary replacements for several suspended members of the Catanduanes Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
According to Governor Azanza, the official designation documents were personally transmitted to the Provincial Government through DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan, following the directive of DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Based on documents issued on June 15, 2026, those designated as Acting Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members were Virginia D. Sanchez, Joy Z. Tamayo, Aida A. Dianela, Gil L. Alintana, Adrian B. Torcelino, and Gregorio Angeles.
The six acting board members were appointed to fill the temporary vacancies created by the six-month preventive suspension imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman on several provincial board members.
Governor Azanza expressed gratitude to the leadership of Lakas-CMD, including its national and provincial officials, for endorsing the recommended replacements.
He also thanked Bong Teves Jr. and Mayor Paolo Teves for their support in facilitating the appointments.
According to Azanza, the appointments are a significant step toward restoring the normal operations of the provincial legislature and accelerating discussions on important provincial matters.
“
This is a major development for our province. Most of the temporary PBMs are fresh faces in politics and represent different sectors of society,” Azanza said.
The governor explained that the administration intentionally recommended individuals who would provide representation for sectors often underrepresented in policymaking, including members of transport groups (TODA), abaca workers, farmers, women, senior citizens, teachers, and professionals.
He emphasized that the primary objective of the appointments is to ensure that the interests of ordinary citizens remain central in the deliberations of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Azanza also expressed hope that the addition of new members would expedite the approval of resolutions, ordinances, and budgetary measures necessary for the continuity of provincial government programs and services.
The appointment of acting board members forms part of efforts to keep the legislative branch of the provincial government functional while the cases and preventive suspensions involving the affected officials remain pending.
With the addition of the six acting members, the SP membership is expected to increase to ten once they formally assume office this week.
During the regular session held earlier today, only four members were present, composed mainly of acting ex-officio members. Senior Board Member Xyrell Albaniel temporarily presided over the session as Acting Vice Governor Fred Gianan currently serves as designated Officer-in-Charge Governor while Governor Azanza is on official travel.
| Bicol Peryodiko Integrated News |
