ILOILO – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Iloilo has made it clear: Zarraga mayor Ma. Jofel Soldevilla and Vice Mayor Michael Omar Lacson must step down immediately once the Office of the Ombudsman’s dismissal order is officially served.
Provincial Director Carmelo Orbista emphasized that the directive from the Ombudsman is final and executory, leaving no room for delay or defiance.
“They must step down promptly; refusal is not an option, as the directives are clear. The first and second Sangguniang Bayan members are next in line to assume their duties,” Orbista said.
The Ombudsman, in a ruling dated September 12, 2025, ordered the dismissal of Soldevilla and Lacson after finding them guilty of grave misconduct in connection with a P11.6-million land purchase deal linked to the municipality’s Local Shelter Plan.
The transaction involved land owned by the vice mayor’s late father.
DILG to Enforce Swift Turnover
Orbista said the DILG is awaiting the official copy of the Ombudsman’s order to facilitate a smooth transition in the town’s leadership.
“We are currently awaiting the official copy of the Ombudsman’s order, which will outline the steps for the officials to step down from their posts,” he noted.
He also explained that since early this year, the Ombudsman has directly implemented orders to local government units, a reform designed to prevent delays in execution.
“Since early this year, the Ombudsman has directly implemented orders to local government units, which streamlines the process compared to previous practices requiring communication through the central office,” Orbista said.
This procedural change, he added, ensures that dismissed officials can no longer stall or refuse compliance, as the directive now comes straight from the Ombudsman’s office.
Succession Under Local Government Code
Once the dismissal orders are received, Orbista said the DILG will implement Section 45 of the Local Government Code, which outlines the rules on succession when vacancies arise due to dismissal or other permanent causes.
He explained that the first and second ranking Sangguniang Bayan members will assume the posts of mayor and vice mayor, respectively, while the remaining vacancies in the council will be filled according to political party alignment.
“Kay ma-apply naman ni ang aton nga Section 45 which is ang sa succession, kay since it’s dismissal it is permanent nature nga masaka ang first nga SB Member and 2nd SB member and then fill outan ang 7 to 8 positions… kon ano ang political party sang first nga SB member, amo na ang political party nga ma-fill in sang number 7 kag ang number 2 (same political party) man ang ma-fill in sa number 8. Indi sa results sa election,” Orbista clarified.
He assured that the process will be transparent and legally sound, ensuring continuity in municipal operations despite the leadership shake-up.
“We will ensure that the process is transparent and adheres to the legal mechanisms in place, so the local government can function effectively without interruption,” he said.
Ombudsman’s Wider Accountability Drive
Aside from Soldevilla and Lacson, the Ombudsman also found seven other Zarraga officials administratively liable for simple misconduct, including Councilor Jose Jeffren Millan and several department heads. They were meted six-month suspensions without pay.
The case originated from a complaint by Andre Bon Sumagaysay, who alleged irregularities in the land deal’s authorization, citing lack of quorum and “general authorization” without proper identification of the property.
Orbista said the DILG’s focus now is on ensuring stability in Zarraga’s governance following the high-profile dismissals.
“Our role is to ensure that the transition is orderly and that governance in Zarraga continues without disruption,” he said./PN
