Comelec proclaims 2 Abra SP members

By Marites Benas

BANGUED, Abra – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is now complete with the proclamation of SP members Serafin B. Alzate and Dr. Patrocinio B. Abaya representing District II in the province.

Alzate and Abaya were proclaimed April 22 by the board of canvassers in Baguio City composed of lawyer Elenita Julia Tabangin of the Commission on Elections as chairman and prosecutor Nestor Tolentino as vice-chair.

The secretary of the board, Dr. Rosita C. Brillantes of the Department of Education, was not present during the proclamation.

The two new SP members took their oath before Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin the following day after their proclamation.

Alzate told a local radio station here he waited for almost two years for the final decision of the COMELEC en nanc.

Dr. Ramon Dickson, former SP member and ex-mayor Rogelio Elveña, both candidates for SP during the 2007 elections, filed their election protest against Alzate and Abaya after the counting of votes.

Alzate said despite limited time given him to serve his term, he will try to fulfill his promise during the campaigns that he will look after the welfare of the small businessmen by forming a cooperative that would help them in their financial problems.

He used to head the provincial government's Cooperative Development Office prior to his election as SP member.

Speaking in behalf of SP Abaya during the radio interview, Alzate said Abaya would look into the welfare of farmers with their problems and needs regarding their draft animals and their livestock, he being a veterinarian.

Alzate also clarified the issue regarding his permanent appointment with the Abra Electric Coop.

He said he had filed his resignation as a permanent employee, but clarified that he remains the executive consultant to general manager Loreto Seares, Jr. upon request of the latter.