Ramil Hernandez ready to assume post as Laguna governor

Comelec Commissioner Elias Yusof administer the oathtaking of Laguna Vice Governor Ramil Hernandez at the Commission on Election, Intramuros, Tuesday afternoon as acting provincial governor following the disqualification of Governor ER Ejercito over campaign overspending. NINO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER

STA. CRUZ, Laguna—Laguna Vice Governor Ramil Hernandez on Wednesday said he is now ready to assume his new post as a governor after the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) served the writ of execution to disqualified governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito.

Hernandez said he personally received a copy of the writ of execution from DILG regional director Josefina Go.

“The authority was already given to me. I have now the call,” he said.

Despite the change of leadership, he said government transactions at the provincial capitol are business as usual.

He said the first thing he would do is to look into the “internal operations” of the provincial government adding he would meet the department heads of the different offices of the provincial government to avoid confusion.

Since the ruling came out, Ejercito remained holed up in the governor’s office while Hernandez temporarily held office at the Laguna Sports Complex in the same town.

Go said Ejercito was very calm and professional when he received the writ of execution.

She said it is not the end all for the disqualified governor given the pending decision of the Supreme Court where Ejercito sought a temporary restraining order.

According to Go, Ejercito may stay in his office physically.

Hernandez said he respects the decision of Ejercito to remain in the governor’s office while waiting for the decision of the high court.

He said he did not have the chance to talk to the disqualified governor since the Commission on Elections (Comelec) decided to disqualify him.

Ejercito has not granted any media interview after the writ of execution was served against him.

Although the situation was generally peaceful, Chief Superintendent Jesus Gatchalian of the Calabarzon police said they have deployed about a hundred policemen to ensure peace and order in the area.

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