New Ako Bicol representative takes oath of office

 Update (5:03 p.m., Jan. 17)

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has sworn in the new representative of Ako Bicol party-list, weeks after the assassination of Rep. Rodel Batocabe in a remote village in Daraga, Albay.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administered the oath of office to new Ako Bicol Rep. Ronald S. Ang during the plenary session on Wednesday.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 7941, or the Party-List System Act, Ang, the fourth nominee of the party-list in the 2016 elections, would assume Batocabe’s post until June 30. He represents the party-list, which topped the last polls, with Reps. Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Christopher Co.

Ang, the fourth nominee of the party-list, would assume Batocabe’s post until June 30. He represents the party-list with Reps. Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Christopher Co.

Batocabe and his police escort, SPO2 Orlando Diaz, were shot dead while leaving a gift-giving event for senior citizens on December 22. The 52-year-old legislator was supposed to run against incumbent Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo in the May 13 elections.

The police have identified Baldo as the mastermind behind the congressman’s murder. The mayor and his alleged cohorts are now facing murder charges. Baldo has denied the allegations.

READ: House honors Ako Bicol Rep. Batocabe

“The circumstances are indeed sorrowful, however, we in Ako Bicol Partylist are committed to continue, without interruption, the programs and services, policies and advocacies of our party bearing in mind the primordial interest of our constituency,” Ang said in a statement on Thursday.

Ang said he worked with Senators Francisco Tatad and Edgardo Angara from 1995 to 2008 at the Senate. As a lawyer, he said his diverse practice includes development, environment, tourism and energy laws. /ee