Panabo City Vice Mayor Franklin D. Gentiles has assumed the functions of acting city mayor, temporarily taking over from Mayor Jose E. Relampagos starting September 18.
A public notice issued by City Hall confirmed the temporary arrangement but did not explain why Relampagos is currently away or specify when he is expected to return.
With Gentiles serving as acting mayor, City Councilor Josie Mary “Boss JM” G. Relampagos has been designated acting vice mayor and presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The temporary arrangement allows the city government and local legislative council to continue their regular operations while the two officials assume their respective temporary responsibilities.
All letters, courtesy calls and other official transactions intended for the mayor are now being directed to Gentiles at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Building.
The legal framework allows a city vice mayor to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the mayor when a temporary vacancy occurs. Under the Local Government Code, temporary incapacity can arise from circumstances including leave, travel abroad or suspension, subject to the law’s requirements and limitations.
The city notice did not provide details about the circumstances surrounding Relampagos’ absence, the expected duration of the arrangement or the specific authority behind the temporary designation.
As of the latest report, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib and the Panabo City Mayor’s Office had not issued additional statements explaining the situation.
For now, Gentiles will handle the executive functions of the city mayor until Relampagos formally returns to office.
