LESS than a year before the next electoral exercise, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday proclaimed Alfredo Garbin Jr. as the duly elected Mayor of Legazpi City during the May 2022 polls.
In a ceremony held at the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila, the Special City Board of Canvassers (SCBOC) of Legazpi City proclaimed Garbin as having garnered the highest number of votes during the last elections with 57,137.
“We hereby proclaim the winning candidate, Alfredo Garbin, Jr., as the duly elected City Mayor of Legazpi City, Albay,” said the SCBOC.
Garbin’s proclamation comes after the SCBOC annulled the proclamation of Carmen Rosal as mayor of Legazpi City.
Rosal was disqualified by the Comelec in October 2022 for violating the Omnibus Election Code in connection with the disbursement and release of government funds during the prohibited period.
Last month, the Supreme Court (SC) affirmed the disqualification of Rosal by the Comelec.
Garbin expressed hopes that his proclamation would lead to the healing of the capital city of Albay and its people.
“The decision of the Supreme Court will hopefully put closure to the issue that really divides the city,” said Garbin.
He said it would be helpful if the camp of Rosal would cease opposing his ascent to the post.
“They said they will respect the ruling of the SC. I hope, true to their word, they will respect the decision of the SC and the Comelec,” said Garbin.
