![“The Pharmally case... there are 46 respondents [in our complaint], kaya medyo matagal. And many of them have become invisible. Para bang they're trying to evade the jurisdiction of this body,” says Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.](https://www.panaynews.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/plunder_copy_resized_resized-218x150.jpg "Ombudsman presses P11-B Pharmally plunder case But 23 respondents missing— Remulla")
BACOLOD City – Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez is on official leave from Dec. 24 until Dec. 30.
In Memorandum No. 0237, dated Dec. 22, Benitez has designated Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran as the acting city mayor.
The mayor said Familiaran’s designation is cited in Section 46(a) of the Local Government Code of 1991.
The acting mayor shall exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the local chief executive during the period of designation, except the power to appoint, suspend, or dismiss employees./PN
