ILOILO — Sangguniang Bayan member Jo Jan Paul “JP” Peñol of Pavia has been elected president of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) – Iloilo chapter.
Peñol secured 235 votes, defeating New Lucena SB member Liecel Mondejar-Seville, who received 176 votes.
Backed by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Peñol was the stronger candidate in the polls. He described the governor’s endorsement as a “pivotal boost” to his victory, and also cited his campaign for progressive local governance which, he said, resonated with fellow SB members.
The PCL Iloilo chapter consists of 433 councilors from 42 municipalities and Passi City.
With his win, Peñol will also officially assume the position of ex-officio member of the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan next week.
Also elected during Friday’s election were Guimbal SB member Christy Love Custodio-Margarico as vice president; Potatan SB member Nonito Q. Pasuelo Jr. as secretary general; Sara SB member Kristine Zerrudo-Valencia as treasurer; Balasan SB member Andres Bedro Jr. as auditor; and Passi City SB member Ramon Andrei Pantin as business manager.
“We aim to provide programs, projects, and services that will improve the lives of our constituents,” Peñol said. “We have a plan of action, and we want to deliver results.”
The board members are Rodolfo “Junjun” Alconga (Oton), Jeffrey Araneta (New Lucena), Adrian Camposagrado (Tigbauan), Genesis Diesto (Ajuy), Joseph Allen Españo (Leganes), Jasmine Golez-Ocampo (Dumangas), Donnabelle Mendoza (Pototan), and Ramon “Noynoy” Rojas (Ajuy).
Peñol’s six-point platform includes development for all (sports programs and legislative advancement programs), accountable leadership (online portal for financial reports), bridging communities (partnerships with national government agencies and CSOs), empowerment through education, service above self (standardized accountability reports), and transformative governance (digital repository of ordinances and resolutions)./PN
