Minglanilla First Councilor Lheslen Enad Takes Over as Acting Mayor
CEBU. In a significant political development, Lheslen Enad, the first councilor of Minglanilla and wife of suspended Mayor Rajiv Enad, has officially assumed office as the municipality's acting mayor. This transition follows the formal receipt of a suspension order from the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday, February 2, 2026, affecting Mayor Enad and other local officials.
DILG Confirms Automatic Succession for Mayor Position
Provincial Director Jesus Sastrillo Jr., head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu Province, confirmed the succession on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. He explained that under established DILG policies, the vacant position of mayor is automatically filled by the town's first councilor to ensure continuity in local governance.
"This is to prevent hiatus and paralysis in our local government operations to ensure an uninterrupted delivery of basic services to the local constituents," Sastrillo stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public services during the suspension period.
Designation Orders Required for Vice Mayor and Councilors
However, the process differs for other vacant positions. Sastrillo clarified that the roles of vice mayor and municipal councilors require a formal "designation order" from the DILG secretary, rather than automatic succession. This involves coordination with higher authorities and political party certifications.
"As to the municipal vice mayor, in our 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, Secretary Jonvic Remulla," he elaborated.
For the councilor positions, the process necessitates nomination and certification from the highest political party to preserve political representation. All suspended officials, including Mayor Enad, belong to the Nacionalista Party (NP), which must facilitate these nominations.
Operational Limitations and Legal Context
As acting mayor, Lheslen Enad is authorized to perform essential functions such as signing contracts and vouchers to keep municipal operations running smoothly. However, her powers are initially restricted: she cannot appoint, suspend, or dismiss officials unless the suspension order exceeds 30 days.
"She can perform appointment, suspension and dismissal after 30 days," Sastrillo noted, outlining the temporary nature of her authority.
The suspension stems from an administrative case related to complaints filed by a private company, including allegations of non-issuance of permits for a Goat Farm and Motorpool operation in Barangay Guindarohan. Mayor Enad has publicly stated that he respects the Ombudsman's decision while pursuing legal remedies.
Coordination and Future Steps
Sastrillo expressed hope for expedited nominations from the Nacionalista Party to fill the vacant positions promptly. DILG officials are coordinating with local leaders, including Mayor Samsam Gullas, to process necessary certifications from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and submit endorsements through proper channels.
The same procedural requirements apply to officials of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Liga ng mga Barangay, ensuring comprehensive adherence to governance protocols during this transitional phase.
