ILOILO – Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) undersecretary Jesry Palmares confirmed the endorsement of Joan Germinanda by the Lakas-CMD (Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats) to assume the position left by Atty. Carmelo Nochete as 1st District Provincial Board member.
Nochete was appointed regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI.
Palmares, provincial chair of Lakas-CMD, submitted Germinanda’s appointment letter to the national headquarters yesterday, particularly to Speaker Martin Romualdez, president of Lakas-CMD, and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, chairperson of the political party.
“Because I am the chairman, I will endorse her appointment for that particular position to the headquarters’ office,” said Palmares in an interview with Panay News on Tuesday, Sept. 13.
The confirmation of the endorsement will depend on the headquarters’ decision. But once confirmed, the headquarters will issue a certification of membership and certificate of nomination for Germinanda.
Moreover, Germinanda should take oath in front of either Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. or Palmares before assuming the post as Provincial Board member.
Germinanda hails from Guimbal, Iloilo and has served as chief of staff of 1st District’s Cong. Janette Garin.
To recall, Department of Interior and Local Government-Iloilo provincial director Teodora Sumagaysay said Nochete’s replacement should come from Lakas-CMD.
“The nominee should come from the same political party of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan member who caused the vacancy. So, kon ano ang political party ni Nochete dira man maghalin ang nominee,” explained Sumagaysay.
There is no election process to determine the next position holder but only through a nomination sent to and approved by the highest official of the political party of whoever vacated the position.
Meanwhile, Nochete formally tendered his resignation as Provincial Board member.
During the 11th regular session of the 14th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Tuesday afternoon, 2nd District Provincial Board member June Mondejar, majority floor leader, read the resignation letter submitted to the Office of the SP Secretariat headed by Atty. Raul Tiosayco Jr. and the office of Vice Gov. Christine Garin on Sept. 12.
“I am formally informing you that I have been appointed as regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI and today I took my oath of office to assume such position,” part of the letter cites.
“I am therefore tendering my courtesy resignation as a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as one of the representatives of the First District of Iloilo pursuant to the provisions of Section 82 of Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991,” the letter added.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve our people, and it has been a pleasure working with the legislative department of the Iloilo provincial government. I appreciate the warm welcome, support and cooperation you have given me during my stay,” Nochete further stated.
Nochete was a first-termer Provincial Board member and was a vice mayor of Miag-ao, Iloilo prior to being elected as Provincial Board member./PN
