Yaranon named 12th of Baguio City council

BAGUIO CITY – Former city councilor Lilia Yaranon has been named by Malacanang as the 12th member of the city council after a year of wait since the untimely death of Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas.

Baguio Rep. Nicasio M. Aliping Jr. congratulated Yaranon after receiving word that his party-mate in the Liberal Party was chosen by President Benigno Aquino III to replace Edison Bilog.

Bilog took over the function of the vice mayor for being the number 1 elected councilor during the 2010 local elections.

His promotion created a vacuum in the city council which was contested by Farinas’ widow, Lilia Farinas, and Yaranon.

“Pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, you are hereby appointed member, SangguniangPanlungsod of Baguio City, vice Edison Bilog,” the order stated.

Aliping, the LP Baguio City chairman, said “We are thankful to the President for filling the vacancy at the city council. Now the legislative body of the city of Baguio can function fully and the residents of Baguio are fully represented.”

Yaranon lost in the 2010 elections placing 14th for the 12-man council. However rules of succession in the council specifies members of the party of the member which caused the vacancy will take over the vacancy upon the appointment of the President.

Bilog belongs to the Liberal Party, the same with Yaranon.

Last year, two LP members were nominated to replace Bilog: Mark Go, who ran for the lone congressional seat of the city, and Yaranon.

With the appointment of Yaranon to the city council there are now five LP members in the legislative body. They are Bilog, Isabelo Cosalan, Leandro Yangot, Faustino Olowan and Yaranon.