Commission on Elections board of canvassers proclaimed former Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin as Legazpi City mayor at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila on November 11, 2024. INQUIRER.net/John Eric Mendoza
MANILA, Philippines — Newly proclaimed Legazpi City, Albay Mayor Alfredo Garbin on Monday said he is expecting a peaceful transition of power in the provincial capital.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) board of canvassers officially proclaimed Garbin as the city mayor at the poll body’s headquarters in Intramuros, Manila.
Garbin, a former representative of Ako Bicol party-list, replaced Geraldine Rosal, whom the Supreme Court disqualified over an election offense.
When asked if he expects tensions during the transition of power, Garbin said in an ambush interview: “I don’t think so. Legazpeños are peaceful and loving citizens.”
Garbin also said he is expecting that Rosal’s camp would stop staging rallies to contest the decision.
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“I think this decision of the Supreme Court will put closure to the issue that really divides the city,” he said, noting that his rival only won with a very thin margin.
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In the 2022 polls, Rosal got 57,687 votes, defeating Garbin with 57,137 votes.
READ: Former Legazpi City mayor’s wife wins mayoral post in close fight with rival Garbin
In the same year, the Comelec disqualified Rosal for violating the provision of the Omnibus Election Code by disbursing and releasing government funds during the prohibited period before the 2022 elections.
The high court affirmed the poll body’s ruling.
READ: High court upholds Comelec ruling on disqualification of Albay’s Rosals
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Garbin’s term will only last until the midterm polls, as he seeks a comeback at the House of Representatives, running as the second nominee of Ako Bicol party-list.