The Commission on Elections (Comelec) was unable to stop Mayor Receliste “Tanoy” Escolin in serving his “fourth” consecutive term as mayor of the Municipality of President Roxas when it failed to act on the disqualification case.
By the time Escolin assumed office, the Comelec En Banc had not released its decision on the complaint filed by Arnulfo Degala, the former barangay captain of Marita.
Based on the Local Government Code of 1991, an official can only serve the same elective post for three consecutive terms or nine years in total.
Escolin was elected mayor of President Roxas during the 2016, 2019 and 2022 elections.
During his “fourth” inauguration as mayor, Escolin reiterated that his three-month suspension last year by the Ombudsman was a technical interruption of his term in office.
Escolin expressed that his February-May 2024 suspension was the most challenging experience in his role as the local chief executive of the municipality.
Escolin took a swipe at former vice mayor Braulio Godfrey “Botoy” Asis, whom he defeated in the May 2025 polls.
As acting mayor, Asis allegedly made changes to municipal infrastructures including repainting the municipal building and plaza from orange—a color synonymous with Escolin—to white and yellow.
On the other hand, Escolin vowed that he will not be affected by his detractors in serving the people of President Roxas.
Escolin even highlighted his major accomplishments as municipal mayor.
It included social services such as sustainable livelihood programs and cash for work; distribution of seeds, fertilizers and livestock to farmers and fisherfolks.
The Escolin administration also had major infrastructure projects including construction of flood controls, covered gyms, Balay Silangan, and health centers in upland areas.
There was also installation of solar-powered street lights.
Caption
Mayor Receliste “Tanoy” Escolin speaks at his ‘fourth’ inauguration as mayor of the Municipality of President Roxas. (Photo by Edalyn B. Acta)
