New Urdaneta mayor assures employees of job security
URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan — Newly installed Mayor Blesildo Sumera assured City Hall employees Monday, 19 October, that no workers would lose their jobs following a leadership shake-up triggered by the dismissal of the city's top officials.
Speaking at his first flag-raising ceremony as mayor, Sumera pledged job security and urged government personnel to continue serving the public despite the political transition.
"Pakikinggan ko lahat kahit na sinong tao, mababa hanggang mataas. Pakikinggan ko lahat. Didinggin ko lahat. At diyan ako huhugot kung ano ang desisyon na nararapat para sa lahat. Ito lamang, sisiguraduhin ko sa inyo na walang malelay-off. Walang maaalis. Marami ba ang nalulungkot. Malulungkot pa ba kayo? Kung anong para sa inyo, ibibigay ng syudad ng Urdaneta," Sumera said.
Sumera assumed office on 16 October following an Ombudsman order dismissing Mayor Julio Parayno III, Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno and six city councilors.
The Ombudsman found the mayor and vice mayor liable for grave misconduct after they allegedly continued performing official duties despite a suspension order.
The six councilors, meanwhile, were found liable for gross neglect of duty for refusing to assume responsibilities under the Local Government Code despite designation orders.
The dismissed officials also face cancellation of their civil service eligibility, perpetual disqualification from public office and forfeiture of retirement benefits.
Former Councilor Rio Virgilio Estevez was installed as vice mayor, while replacements for the six councilors are expected to be appointed by the Pangasinan governor upon the new mayor's recommendation.
Sumera acknowledged that Parayno was pursuing legal remedies to challenge his dismissal but urged employees to remain focused on their responsibilities while the legal process continues.
The new mayor also pledged an open-door policy, saying his experience as a former barangay captain, Liga ng mga Barangay president and city councilor had given him an understanding of residents' concerns.
He said he would visit all City Hall departments to assess operations and introduce measures to improve public service delivery.