Tuesday, August 05, 2008 Cancer forces mayor to resign
CARMEN Mayor Virgi-nio Villamor relinquished his post to Vice Mayor Sonia Pua yesterday due to his failing health.
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday administered the oath of office of Pua as the new mayor at the town’s multi-purpose gymnasium.
This developed after Villamor, who is in his late 70s, was diagnosed with brain cancer a few years ago.
His son, Councilor Martin Gerard Villamor, told reporters that the doctor who checked on his father’s condition earlier said Virginio may only have six months to live.
But miraculously, Martin Gerard said his father survived for another 16 months already.
Being the town’s first councilor, Martin Gerard also assumed as the new vice mayor.
The ailing official, in a tape recorded speech played during the turnover ceremony, said he takes “great pride in what we (Carmen residents) have accomplished together.”
“We have succeeded in our efforts to improve the lives of the people of Carmen–-we have expanded our network of roads, brought electrification to our mountain
barangays, reclaimed areas for our proposed sports complex, and protected our environment and marine life,” Virginio said.
“We have done many good things together but the best legacy that I leave all of you is the way I have lived my life. As a mayor, I have tried to be an honest and dedicated leader,” he added.
Virginio said he never enriched himself while in office, adding that he has shown respect and kindness to all his constituents as well as his political opponents.
“I have been faithful to my family. I have also tried to live my life as a citizen who loves my country and as a faithful servant who loves and trusts and depends on God,” he added.
Virginio also said he leaves his public office “with a heart filled with gratitude” that he has served his constituents. (GMD)
