Urdaneta City: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has warned two Urdaneta City councilors that they could face charges for dereliction of duty should they refuse to assume the mayoralty and vice mayoralty posts following the suspension of the city’s incumbent officials. The DILG has emphasized the importance of adhering to this directive to ensure continuity in local governance.

According to Philippines News Agency, DILG Ilocos Region Director Jonathan Paul Leusen Jr. personally served the order on Tuesday, directing Urdaneta City councilors Franco del Prado and Warren Andrada to step in as acting mayor and vice mayor, respectively. This move comes after the suspension of Mayor Julio Parayno III and Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno III on January 7, 2025, due to allegations of grave misconduct and abuse of authority.

The suspension order for the Paraynos is based on a case filed against them by Urdaneta City Liga ng mga Barangay president Michael Brian Perez in October 2022. Leusen stressed that the suspension of the two officials would remain until the penalty is duly completed or served, highlighting the seriousness of the charges.

Leusen also mentioned efforts to reach out to Del Prado and Andrada to assume their new roles, but the DILG has not been able to meet them yet. The DILG official expressed hope that both councilors would recognize their duty to assume the positions in line with the suspension order. Additionally, coordination with the department heads has been initiated to ensure that the advisory is effectively communicated.