Iloilo city: The provincial office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has yet to receive a copy of the dismissal order for Zarraga Mayor Ma. Jofel Soldevilla and Vice Mayor Michael Omar Lacson from the Office of the Ombudsman. DILG-Iloilo Director Carmelo Orbista, in a media interview, disclosed that traditionally, the Ombudsman coordinated with their central office to execute dismissal or suspension orders, but since earlier this year, it has begun to serve the orders directly to the respondents.
According to Philippines News Agency, the respondents are required to step down immediately upon receiving the orders. Orbista emphasized that the Ombudsman’s decision is executory pending appeal, meaning it takes effect even if the decision is contested. The role of the DILG, in this case, is to confirm if the dismissed officials have vacated their positions and if the new appointees have assumed their roles. Orbista is also awaiting instructions from the regional office to verify whether Soldevilla and Lacson have relinquished their posts.
Orbista noted that dismissal is a permanent action, and the rule of succession will be applied. The first and second members of the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) will assume the roles of mayor and vice mayor, respectively. Additionally, the political parties of these Sangguniang Bayan members will select individuals to fill the seventh and eighth council slots, with appointments being made by the governor.
Soldevilla and Lacson were dismissed for grave misconduct, which includes accessory penalties such as cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and a ban on taking civil service examinations. Seven others, including incumbent councilor Jose Jeffren Millan and former officials, were found administratively liable for simple misconduct and received six-month suspensions without pay. The case originated from the unauthorized purchase of the town’s Local Shelter Plan in 2023.