Wife assumes post of acting mayor in Minglanilla, Cebu

The first councilor of the Municipality of Minglanilla, Cebu has assumed the post of acting mayor, following a one-year preventive suspension served by the Office of the Ombudsman against Mayor Rajiv Enad and eight councilors of the town.

First Councilor Lheslen Abella Enad, the mayor's wife, said that based on the law, she has assumed the role of acting mayor.

"A one-year suspension was served yesterday [February 2, 2026] against Mayor Rajiv Enad, Vice Mayor Lani Peña, and the councilors who served in the previous term. By operation of law, I assumed the role of Acting Mayor. This is not easy. As a wife, this hurts. But as a public servant, my duty is clear," Lheslen said.

"Minglanillahanons will continue to receive the same kind of service they have always received under Mayor Rajiv. Public service will not stop. The protection of our people and the welfare of Minglanilla remain my priority. To our constituents, I hear you. You can expect steady leadership, fair decisions, and honest service. There will be no drama. Only work for the people. God sees everything. We leave the rest to Him," she added.

READ: Minglanilla, Cebu mayor, other officials ordered suspended

The Department of Interior and Local Government in Cebu Province said that while Lheslen can assume the role of mayor automatically, her functions are limited, such that she cannot hire or fire personnel within 30 days.

However, as far as the post of the vice mayor is concerned, DILG said this requires a designation order from the Office of the President through the DILG Secretary.

"As to the municipal vice mayor, sa atong policies, there is a need for a designation order. It's not automatic. There is a need for a designation order from the President through the secretary of the Interior and Local Government," said Provincial DILG Director Jesus Robelsastrillo, Jr.

Councilor Mulot Laput, the only other councilor who was not suspended, is expected to assume as acting vice mayor.

Robelsastrillo said his office will expedite the process of filling the positions vacated by the suspended officials so that operations in Minglanilla will not be disrupted.

"We are requesting to expedite the selection and nomination of their temporary endorsement and nominees," he said. —GMA Regional TV