DILG takes over Cotabato town, local officials in quarantine after COVID-19 exposure

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday, June 16, took control of the municipality of Magpet in Cotabato, after its mayor contracted COVID-19 and other town officials had to go on quarantine after their exposure to coronavirus cases.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año designated DILG SOCCSKSARGEN chief Josephine Leysa as the caretaker of Magpet town while Mayor Florenito Gonzaga was recuperating from COVID-19, and Vice Mayor Rogelio Maranon and the entire municipal council were in isolation.

Año’s order took effect on Wednesday, June 16.

DILG municipal officer Ivy Cervantes said Gonzaga was still in the hospital. The Municipal Health Office said in a report that the mayor, whose condition continues to improve, is expected to complete treatment on June 23.

The vice mayor and the town councilors have been on quarantine after they were exposed to people who tested positive for COVID-19. They will complete their quarantine on June 21.

As a caretaker, Leysa’s functions would be limited to administrative work which are vital in ensuring that the unhampered delivery of services.

Leysa would have the authority to approve municipal disbursements and payments for utilities like water, electricity, and telecommunication services, and the payroll for municipal employees. – Rappler.com