The provincial government of Negros Oriental was in the thick of preparations end of the week for giving the highest possible honors for the late Gov. Carlo Jorge Joan “Guido” Reyes during his wake and subsequent funeral rites.
Newly-concurred Provincial Administrator Arthur Fran Tolcidas told the media the remains of the 62-year-old former Governor arrived in Dumaguete Saturday morning, and was taken to the Capitol for a few hours.
Lawyer Tolcidas said it was the wishes of the family that the remains of Reyes be brought to his hometown in Guihulngan City at the earliest time possible, where public viewing was held prior to laying him to rest.
Reyes died of a terminal illness on Wednesday in a hospital in Metro Manila, less than three months after he assumed as governor following the killing of his predecessor, Gov. Roel Degamo on March 4, in what has since been referred to as the Pamplona massacre.
Tolcidas, who was the Dumaguete City Council secretary for at least nine years, was newly-installed Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria’s personal choice for provincial administrator.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has concurred the appointment of Tolcidas, replacing lawyer Karen Lisette Molas who served in the same capacity for at least three months under the Reyes administration.
Lawyer Tolcidas said that Governor Sagarbarria also has a provincial legal officer in mind but added that he does not want to preempt the new Governor’s announcement, which is expected on Monday morning.
A special session was held earlier on Friday on the turnover of official documents and matters regarding official signatories, Tolcidas said.
Except for the new Governor visiting the different office heads, no other announcements nor changes have been made yet, in deference to the vigil for the late Reyes, he added.
Governor Sagarbarria is currently holding office at the Legislative Building, and will only occupy the official Governor’s Office on the second floor of the Capitol once the late Governor Reyes has been laid to rest, Tolcidas said. (PNA)
