Quirino town mayor sets example, quits as ‘recurring illness’ takes toll on his job

Vice Mayor Rimel “Lippuok” Tolentino takes his oath of office as the new mayor of Maddela, Quirino by succession. Mayor Florante Ruiz resigned due to “recurring” illness. PHOTO FROM MADDELA LGU

MADDELA, Quirino—Mayor Florante Ruiz of this town stepped down from his post on Thursday (Sept. 10), citing “recurring illness” that he said had been preventing him from doing his job, setting what could be an example for other elected officials suffering from serious sickness.

Ruiz’s resignation paved the way for Vice Mayor Rimel “Lippuok” Tolentino to assume as mayor, following the rule of succession.

Tolentino took his oath of office on Friday morning before a judge.

Prior to Ruiz’s resignation, Tolentino had been temporarily discharging the duties of the mayor as officer-in-charge of this town, which is sandwiched by the provinces of Isabela and Aurora.

This first-class town has a population of 38,499 based on the 2015 census and had P204.3-million income in 2016.

The vice mayoral post vacated by Tolentino was taken over by lawyer Junard Ramos, the town’s top councilor. Ramos also took his oath of office on Friday.

TSB