Rev. Fr. Jason Ortezo, a former police general and Roman Catholic priest, officially assumed office as mayor of San Francisco, Southern Leyte on Tuesday.
Ortezo, who retired as a PNP brigadier general in 2024 and served as its chaplaincy director, took his oath before Supreme Court Associate Justice Mydas Marquez on June 26.
He succeeds his mother, Benedicta Tiazon, who stepped down after nine years as mayor and lost her vice mayoral bid.
In his inaugural speech, Ortezo vowed to focus on healthcare, water access, tourism development, and improving residents’ lives, while calling for unity in the town’s 16 barangays.
The Diocese of Maasin confirmed that Ortezo is now suspended from priestly duties due to his entry into politics.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 2, 2025
