BACOLOD City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran was the acting mayor, while Councilor Caesar Distrito was designated as acting vice mayor effective January 16.
Distrito said on Thursday, January 17, that Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued a memorandum designating Familiaran to take over his post while he is traveling abroad.
Due to the leave of absence of Councilor Ricardo Tan, the number one councilor, Familiaran, also designated Distrito as acting vice mayor until the duration or arrival of Leonardia on January 28.
Leonardia will join Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao team in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, January 19.
He will be the Philippine flag bearer during the fight of Pacquiao against Adrien Broner.
Distrito said since December 19, 2018, Tan missed the regular session after he took a leave from work following the ambush incident.
"All of us are entitled to leave credits and if ever we already consumed it, we can file a leave but without pay," he said.
On December 14, Tan and his wife Nita were waylaid by three assailants in Barangay Alangilan.
“Until now, we didn’t know when he (Tan) will report to attend the regular session,” Distrito said.
On Wednesday, January 16’s regular session, Distrito was the presiding officer, while Councilor Renecito Novero was also appointed as acting floor leader.