![“This [flood control scheme] is a corruption on a scale that we have not seen in the past,” says Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon. “The Napoles scandal is like petty change compared to this.”](https://www.panaynews.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ombudsman_copy_resized-218x150.jpg "FLOOD CONTROL SCANDAL: Ombudsman cases filed vs DPWH staff, contractors")
CAPIZ – Ivan Howard A. Guinto officially took his oath of office as the newly-elected representative of the province’s 1st District.
Maayon’s Mayor Raymund Malapajo administered his oath at the Maayon Civic Center, on June 19.
The oath-taking was attended by key local leaders, signifying strong political support, including Panay’s Mayor Jonathan “Sonny” Besa, Pilar’s Mayor Arnold Perez, President Roxas’ Mayor Receliste Escolin, Dao’s Mayor Jose “Jimbo” Barruela, and Ivisan’s Mayor Felipe Neri Yap.
Also in attendance were former governor Antonio Del Rosario and several other current and former officials from nearby towns – reflecting a united front among Capiz leaders.
Guintu expressed deep gratitude to the local officials and constituents for their steadfast support during his tenure with the Pinuno Party-list. He pledged continued commitment to public service and meaningful progress in the 1st District.
Malapajo, meanwhile, expressed optimism about Guintu’s leadership, hoping it would usher in development initiatives that would benefit not only Maayon but also the five other municipalities in the district and Roxas City.
Guintu secured a decisive victory with 130,531 votes, defeating his opponent, Paolo Roxas, who garnered 108,240 votes, in the May 12, 2025 midterm elections./PN
