GENERAL Mariano Alvarez (GMA) Cavite Mayor Walter “Etsi” Echevarria Jr. announced on Tuesday that he will be leaving his post due to his health condition.
“Nais kong ipaalam sa inyong lahat na simula sa araw na ito, akin pong binibitawan ang aking pwesto sa pagka-alkalde ng bayan ng Gen. Mariano Alvarez. Buhat ng pagbabago sa aking kalusugan, ako po ay lubos na nagpapakumbabang iwan ang aking pwesto upang kayo po ay mapaglingkuran ng mas tapat at nararapat,” Echavarria stated.
(I would like to inform everyone that on this day forward, I am resigning from my position as the town mayor of General Mariano Alvarez. Due to changes on my health condition, I am humbly leaving my position for you to be served better and with more integrity.)
The LGU took to Facebook to release Echevarria’s official statement, unveiling his political journey and dismay over his own decision.
“Maging ako po ay nalulungkot sa aking naging desisyon subalit mas kailangan natin ng isang lider na may kakayahang pamunuan ang bayan sa gitna ng pandemya,” the resigning mayor added.
(I am also saddened by my decision but we are more needing to have a leader capable of serving the town amid the pandemic.)
Echavarria also sought support for the local government’s ongoing projects and programs for the attainment of “local individuals’ progress,” proving he has conceded on mayorship but never on his political principles.
The politician also believes that someone who will remain serving the public and continue his mission is what the town deserves to have as his successor.
Following Echavarria’s resignation, Cavite Governor Juanito “Jonvic” Remulla visited the town to formally witness the pledges of then acting but now turned official Mayor Maricel Torres and Atty. Angela Lenin Paycana, who is now the town’s vice mayor.