Urdaneta acting mayor, vice mayor assume posts

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The acting mayor and vice mayor of Urdaneta City in Pangasinan assumed the posts on Monday and will continue discharging the functions until officials are elected on  May 12.

This developed after Councilors Rio Virgilio Esteves and Blesildo Sumera agreed to hold the posts vacated by suspended Mayor and Vice Mayor Julio Parayno III and Jimmy Parayno, respectively. 

Jonathan Leusen, chief of the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Ilocos, informed DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla that Esteves and Sumera have accepted the posts.

The Office of the President suspended the Paraynos for 12 months for grave misconduct and abuse of authority. 

The Paraynos contested the order, insisting they have not done anything wrong. They continued to sign official documents and refused to vacate their offices.

On March 14, the DILG, backed by members of the Ilocos police enforced the order and barred the Paraynos from the city hall.