In a significant development for Tarlac City's local governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a directive requiring Vice Mayor Maria Cristina C. Angeles to assume the responsibilities of the city's chief executive.
The order comes as Mayor Maria Cristina S. Angeles faces a 90-day preventive suspension, creating a leadership vacuum that requires immediate attention to ensure uninterrupted public service.
DILG's Official Directive
DILG Regional Director Anthony C. Nuyda formally communicated the instruction through a memorandum dated June 21, 2024. The document explicitly states that the Vice Mayor should "exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the City Mayor" during the suspension period.
This administrative move follows the preventive suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman against the sitting mayor, highlighting the government's commitment to maintaining operational continuity in local governance.
Ensuring Uninterrupted Public Service
The transition of power aims to guarantee that essential city services and administrative functions continue without disruption. Local residents can expect business as usual in municipal operations despite the leadership change.
Vice Mayor Angeles now bears the responsibility of overseeing all city departments, implementing local policies, and representing Tarlac City in official capacities until the suspension period concludes or further directives are issued.
Legal Framework and Governance
This succession process operates within the established legal framework of the Philippine Local Government Code, which provides clear protocols for such administrative scenarios. The smooth transition demonstrates the robustness of the country's local governance systems.
The DILG's prompt action ensures that Tarlac City remains under stable leadership while due process takes its course regarding the mayor's suspension.
