TACLOBAN CITY-This year’s town fiesta celebration of Palo, Leyte are in full swing with the opening of a grand carnival featuring thrilling rides, games, and treats. The festivities honor its patron saint, Señor San Salvador and include a range of cultural activities.

This was disclosed by Mayor Remedios ‘Matin’ Petilla who said that novena masses will begin on Sunday, July 27, with schedules at 6 a.m., 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. or novena mayor). The Fiesta Mass, on August 6, will be officiated by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown at the Our Lord’s Transfiguration Parish Church.

A series of cultural activities are slated as part of the town’s 429th fiesta celebration. One of the highlights is the holding of the Miss Enchanting Palo, a beauty pageant featuring 20 candidates from different barangays.

Other activities include ‘Kurukaranta Binisaya’, a choral singing competition, and ‘siday’ competition, showcasing traditional singing.

The Harvest Festival will celebrate local produce and farming, while ‘Pagluto’, a traditional cooking competition, will feature senior citizens with younger assistants. A pet show will also be held, where pet owners can showcase their pets’ special talents.

As an opening salvo, medical and dental services was conducted on Friday for all residents of Palo at the town gymnasium.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the six-month suspension without pay of Burauen, Leyte Mayor Fe Renomeron for signing a marriage certificate in 2014 despite not having personally officiated the ceremony—a violation deemed as conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

In a nine-page decision dated July 12, 2025, and signed by Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Dante Vargas, Renomeron was found administratively liable for the infraction but was cleared of more serious charges of grave misconduct and serious dishonesty due to lack of substantial evidence.

The case was filed by Ralph Anthony Acedillo, who claimed that Renomeron signed his marriage certificate with partner Lyka Angeli Calucer on December 10, 2014, even though no actual wedding ceremony took place and the mayor was not present at the supposed venue, his residence.

Under Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code, municipal mayors are authorized to solemnize civil marriages, provided they are physically present during the ceremony.
Case records show that Renomeron admitted she was unavailable on the date in question and had directed a staff member to collect the signed certificate from the couple. She later signed the document in her office.

“The contracting parties and the witnesses were merely asked to sign the certificate of marriage on December 10, 2014, without a marriage ceremony before the respondent as solemnizing officer,” the Ombudsman ruling stated. “In fact, respondent only signed the certificate days later.”

Renomeron maintained that she had conducted the ceremony and submitted documents, including the marriage certificate, in her defense. However, the Ombudsman said this was not enough to rebut sworn testimonies from the complainants and their witnesses, who asserted that no wedding took place and that the mayor was not at the scene.

“The testimonies of the contracting parties and their witnesses are sufficient to overcome the legal presumption [of regularity]. It is clear that the respondent failed to conduct the required marriage rites, thereby tarnishing the image and integrity of her office,” the decision added.

While the anti-graft body ruled out any intent to deceive or engage in corruption—key components of graver offenses—it found the mayor’s actions damaging to the dignity of her position.

In a statement posted on her social media account on Wednesday, July 23, Renomeron, who was re-elected in the May 2025 elections, denied wrongdoing and described the complaint as politically motivated.

“This development, initiated by the son of a political opponent, inevitably involves me in a legal proceeding,” she said.

“While I believe this action to be politically motivated, my focus remains on upholding the integrity of my office and ensuring the continuous delivery of public services to all of you.”
She assured her constituents that she would face the case squarely and expressed confidence in the legal process.

“My heart remains entirely with the beloved people of Burauen, and I pledge to continue my dedicated service, working tirelessly for our shared future and the betterment of our community,” she added.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)