Lheslen Enad Steps In as Acting Mayor of Minglanilla Amid Husband's Suspension
In a significant development in local governance, Lheslen Enad, the first councilor and wife of suspended Mayor Rajiv Enad, has been appointed as the acting mayor of Minglanilla, Cebu. This decision was formally announced by Jesus Sastrillo Jr., Provincial Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu Province, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
DILG Protocols Ensure Continuity of Services
The appointment follows the official receipt of a suspension order from the Office of the Ombudsman by Mayor Rajiv Enad on Monday. According to Sastrillo, DILG rules stipulate that the vacant mayor position must be directly filled by the first councilor of the municipality. This measure is designed to prevent any disruption in local government operations and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of basic services to constituents.
"This is to prevent hiatus and paralysis in our local government operations to ensure an uninterrupted delivery of basic services to the local constituents," Sastrillo emphasized during the announcement.
Procedures for Vice Mayor and Councilors
However, the process differs for other positions. The vacant vice mayor and municipal councilor roles require a designation order from the DILG Secretary, specifically through Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Sastrillo explained that this is not automatic and involves nomination and certification from the highest political party to maintain political representation.
"But as to the municipal vice mayor, in our policies, there is a need for a designation order; it's not automatic. There is a need for a designation order from the president through the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, and as to the remaining municipal councilors, to maintain the political representation, it necessitates the nomination and certification of the highest political party," Sastrillo stated on February 3, 2026.
All council members, including Mayor Enad, are affiliated with the Nacionalista Party (NP), and similar procedures apply to officials of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Liga ng mga Barangay. To validate political party affiliations, certification from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) must be submitted, with coordination facilitated through Mayor Samsam Gullas for processing.
Limitations and Operational Scope
As acting mayor, Lheslen Enad is authorized to sign contracts and vouchers to maintain normal government functions. However, her powers do not include appointing, suspending, or dismissing officials unless the suspension order exceeds 30 days. Since the entire council has been suspended, awaiting the designation order from the central DILG office is crucial for filling other vacancies.
This transition highlights the importance of adherence to legal protocols in Philippine local governance, ensuring stability and service continuity during administrative changes.
