California town’s first FilAm mayor quits over breach of ethics

COLMA — First Filipino mayor of Colma, Claro “Larry" Formalejo, has resigned from his position Wednesday, February 13, during a Town Council meeting due to family issues concerning his son’s DUI (driving under the influence) arrest, leaving dozens of Colma resident in shock along with a bundle of unanswered questions. The opening address of the meeting began with Formalejo presenting his resignation letter stating that in 2006, his 21-year-old son, Dustin Formalejo, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and had apparently asked the police in charge on how he could be assisted in any means to alleviate his son’s situation. “I took some actions that may have been perceived as in conflict with my ethical obligations as a City Councilman at the time," confessed Formalejo to ‘The San Francisco Examiner.’Because Formalejo failed to reach into specifics concerning his situation, the night was filled with uncertainty. It was unclear on what exactly was said to the police officer by Formalejo during the night of the arrest. Until further notice, a more in-depth investigation of Formalejo’s case will continue and will later be issued into a report during the town’s next council meeting that will be held on March 12. Vice Mayor Helen Fisicaro will preside as mayor. City Attorney, Roger Peters, advised that resignation was the correct way to go “to avoid any perception of improper behavior," as he told the ‘Examiner.’ “I was shocked that Formalejo resigned from his position. I was very proud to have a fellow Filipino leader take charge in our community," Josephine Mirando-Aquino of the Filipino American Association of Colma told Philippine News. After reciting his resignation, Formalejo did not answer questions. He did indicate the urgency to concentrate on private family matters. “I only pray that this is just a temporary glitch for Formalejo and that after all is said and done, reason and truth behind all this would actually turn out to be no big deal at all. As any Filipino mother would do to protect her son by all means, I support Formalejo in doing what must be done," Mirando-Aquino further said. Although there was no mention of running once again as mayor, this Filipino American community leader born in Sta. Mesa, Philippines and raised in San Francisco will continue to maintain his seat on the Town Council. “Hopefully, Formalejo will stand tall though all this," concluded Mirando-Aquino. - Philippine News