BOCAUE, Bulacan — Vice Mayor Jose “JJS” Santiago Jr. was sworn in as new chief executive here on Monday taking the helm from Mayor Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva-Tugna who died on May 28.
Santiago became mayor by succession, taking his oath of office from Governor Daniel Fernando and Bulacan Director Darwin David of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at the Provincial Capitol in the City of Malolos.
“Mayor JJS Santiago automatically will fill-up the vacancy left by the late Mayor Tugna and he is now the municipal mayor of Bocaue,” Fernando said.
First Councilor Alvin Paul Cotaco will also fill the position that Santiago will vacate as Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Bayan.
According to the DILG, while the people of Bocaue mourned the passing of Mayor Tugna, the operation in the municipal hall should continue.
In his Facebook post, Mayor Santiago appealed to his fellow Bocauenos saying: “Let’s forget about politics first. Let’s put it aside. Let’s honor our beloved Mayor Joni. At this time we must unite in order to feel our true sympathy and love for her” as he also extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
“Our Mayor Joni’s service to our people is unique. No one is against this because we are witnesses of how well she has done her duty being the mayor. We are on different political parties but nevertheless, I am one of those who truly and deeply admire her genuine love, concern and service to every Bocauenos,” Santiago said.