Batac council lacks a member after councilor’s death

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

Batac City—The Sangguniang Panlungsod here is still a member short following the death of Batac councilor Amable Abellon.

Mr. Abellon died from a stroke on Dec. 25, 2014.

Batac Vice Mayor and council presiding officer Ronald Allan M. Nalupta explained that there is a procedure to follow in filling the vacant position as mandated by law.

In this case, it is the deceased’s political party which will recommend a replacement. Mr. Abellon belonged to the Nacionalista Party.

Mr. Nalupta said in this situation, it is Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos who would approve the recommendation.

Mr. Nalupta added that there is an immediate need to replace the late local lawmaker as Mr. Abellon held committee memberships as well as district barangays which all became vacant upon his death.

To temporarily resolve the issue, the council decided to distribute and assign committees and district barangays of the deceased to other members while they wait for his replacement.

The Ilocos Times also learned that a council which is a member short also affects the voting profile in passing ordinances and resolutions.

Mr. Nalupta said Mr. Abellon was one of the most active members of the council, particularly in the deliberation of measures. Mr. Abellon also served as one of the advisers of the neophyte councilors being a veteran lawmaker.

Meanwhile, Batac Mayor Jeffrey Jubal C. Nalupta also said there is a need to find a replace for the late public servant but that they should all follow the proper process.

Recent reports mentioned that Dr. Alice Abellon, the wife of the late councilor, is being floated to be the replacement but the Batac mayor stressed that it would be the governor who would have the final decision on this.

The late Mr. Abellon served as councilor for almost five terms after completing two terms as Barangay Lacub chairperson.