ER Ejercito Speaks Out on Forced Opening of Mayor’s Office in Pagsanjan
ER EJERCITO – The former actor and Pagsanjan, Laguna mayor expressed concern after his office at the municipal hall was opened without his permission while he was on sick leave.
On the evening of January 9, 2026, he shared a video on his official social media page showing individuals linked to Vice Mayor and Acting Mayor Januario “Jan” Garcia entering what used to be his office. The room appeared nearly empty, with only a few chairs, a table, and a refrigerator remaining. Ejercito and his supporters claimed that the office was opened without proper coordination with national agencies or the police and described the action as disrespectful.
He also posted a copy of a memorandum dated January 6, signed by town administrator Engineer Alex Paguio, ordering the office to be opened so Acting Mayor Garcia could begin using it for official duties. The memo stated that the move was intended to prevent delays in public service and that Ejercito’s personal belongings would be removed and kept safely, with the process properly recorded and documented.
The incident followed earlier reports that Garcia had assumed the mayoral post due to an arrest order issued against Ejercito in connection with a long-standing corruption case. The case involved a contract awarded in 2008 to a company that lacked proper licensing and was not selected through public bidding during Ejercito’s earlier term as mayor from 2001 to 2010.
In March 2025, the court found Ejercito guilty, imposed a prison sentence, and ordered his permanent disqualification from holding public office. Despite this, he won the mayoral election in May 2025. However, he served only about five months after an arrest order was issued in November 2025, allowing authorities to arrest him at any time.
When reports claimed ER Ejercito had been replaced as Pagsanjan mayor, he denied this and explained that he was on sick leave, while Garcia was serving only as acting mayor. His son, a town councilor, confirmed this and said Ejercito has several long-term health conditions, including lung and skin illnesses, which explain his absence from public view.