Garganera was first elected to the Cebu City Council in 2016. In the 2019 elections, he initially placed 10th in the first district race. However, following the disqualification of councilors Sisinio Andales and Alvin Arcilla for exceeding term limits, Garganera assumed office on July 17, 2019. He was re-elected in 2022, marking his third consecutive term.
The crux of the disqualification case centers on whether Garganera’s delayed assumption of office in 2019 constitutes an interruption in his consecutive terms. Garganera argues that the delay resulted in an incomplete term, thereby not violating the three-term limit. Conversely, Mahilum asserts that such a delay does not break the continuity of service, maintaining that Garganera has effectively served three full terms and is thus ineligible for re-election in 2025.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is expected to review the petition and determine Garganera’s eligibility to run in the forthcoming elections. This case underscores the complexities surrounding term limits and the interpretation of what constitutes an interruption in service for elected officials.
