MANILA- The House of Representatives has sworn in the replacement of the late Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe.
Upon a motion by House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr, Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo swore into office Wednesday Ronald Ang, who is the 4th nominee of the party-list.
“In view of the untimely demise of Representative Rodel M. Batocabe of Ako Bicol Party list, I move that we recogbize Mr. Ronald S. Ang to assume the position vacated by the late Rep. Batocabe," Andaya said.
Batocabe was assassinated on Dec. 22, 2018 during a gift-giving activity in his hometown Daraga, Albay.
Police have tagged reelectionist Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo as the "mastermind" behind Batocabe's slay.
Batocabe, who was on his last term as a congressman, was planning to challenge Baldo's reelection bid in the upcoming May midterm elections.
Other representatives of his party-list in Congress are Chistopher Co and Alfredo Garbin.