The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed the immediate enforcement of the Ombudsman’s dismissal order against Zarraga Mayor Jofel Soldevilla and Vice Mayor Michael Omar Lacson, who were found guilty of grave misconduct.
DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Carmelo Orbista confirmed that the Office of the Ombudsman itself has already served the order to the concerned officials, making it executory upon receipt.
“Once they officially receive the order, they must vacate their positions. The next step is to ensure that the rightful successors assume their posts without delay,” he said in an interview.
Orbista clarified that the penalty of dismissal from service is permanent in nature, and that the law of succession under Section 45 of the Local Government Code will automatically apply to fill the vacant positions.
Under the law, the number one and number two councilors of Zarraga will assume as mayor and vice mayor, respectively. To complete the municipal council, the seventh and eighth councilors—from the same political party as the newly seated executives—will be appointed to fill the vacant SB seats.
Orbista assured that the DILG is closely coordinating with the local government to guarantee an orderly transition of leadership and the uninterrupted delivery of basic services to the public.
“As part of our mandate, the DILG will oversee the implementation of the Ombudsman’s decision to ensure compliance and stability in local governance,” he stressed.
As of press time, neither Soldevilla nor Lacson has issued a statement regarding their dismissal.IMT
