DILG to form panel to fill vacancies in Bamban

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will establish a screening committee to evaluate applicants to fill positions in the local government of Bamban, Tarlac that were left vacant following the dismissal of Mayor Alice Guo.

The committee will consist of the DILG's Undersecretary for Local Government, the Regional Director, three representatives from civil society groups, and the President of the Philippine Councilors League in Tarlac.

The committee aims to ensure that qualified individuals fill the roles, helping stabilize the municipal government amidst the ongoing administrative transitions.

Acting Mayor Eraño Timbang has stepped up to lead Bamban vowing to push forward projects that have been stalled amid a leadership shake-up that left key local government positions vacant.

Timbang has pledged to ensure the continuity of Bamban’s municipal programs.

"Apat na beses ko nang nakausap 'yung mga department heads natin. Kung ano po 'yung mga programa na hindi pa naituloy, itutuloy po namin at lalo pa po naming dadagdagan," he said.

Timbang, notably, was the only councilor who refused to sign the 'Permit to Operate' for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) compound near the municipal hall, which was later raided.

The sudden leadership change follows the Ombudsman's decision to dismiss former Mayor Alice Guo from service and suspend the Vice Mayor and seven other councilors.

This has left Timbang facing significant challenges, as he now leads the municipal government with limited support.

"Halos single man army po ako ngayon sa panahong ito. Umaasa po ako na magtatagumpay po kami. Malinis naman po ang hangarin ko sa bayan ko," he said.

Municipal employees have expressed concerns over the frequent changes in administration.

"Okay naman po kaming mga empleyado, although we have this konting kaba sa dibdib, at mga queries kasi—dahil nga for the past few months iba-iba 'yung umuupo natin bilang local chief executives," Cherrylyn Pascua, Bamban's Tourism Officer, said. — GMA Regional TV