Two councilors assume mayor, vice mayor posts in Urdaneta City

BAGUIO CITY — The seventh- and eighth-ranked councilors of Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, assumed the posts of mayor and vice mayor, respectively, on 31 March 2025.

In a report from Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 1 Director Jonathan Leusen to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, councilors Rio Virgilio Esteves and Blesildo Sumera accepted the positions vacated by Julio Parayno III and Jimmy Parayno, who were suspended by the Office of the President.

The Paraynos were suspended for grave misconduct and abuse of authority. However, the suspended mayor contested the suspension, insisting that they had done nothing wrong. Parayno III continued to function as mayor, occupying his office, signing transaction papers, and approving other documents despite the suspension order.

On 14 March 2025, the DILG, escorted by the Police Regional Office 1, enforced the suspension and barred the Paraynos from entering Urdaneta City Hall.

Esteves and Sumera formally began their new duties, which will continue until new elected officials take office.

Meanwhile, in a video posted on social media, the suspended mayor asserted that the suspension was improper, claiming that even though he was not using his office at City Hall, he continued to sign official papers and documents as the rightful mayor.

DILG Region 1 Director Leusen was contacted for comment but did not respond.