Urdaneta execs given 10 days to heed suspension order

MANILA, Philippines — The mayor and vice mayor of Urdaneta City in Pangasinan have been given 10 days to comply with an order of Malacañang suspending them for one year, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the suspension order against Mayor Julio Parayno III and Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno was issued on Jan. 3 by the Office of the President.

The order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, stemmed from the removal of the president of the Liga ng mga Barangay from the city council on orders of the Paraynos.

The officials refused to heed the order, prompting the DILG to issue an ultimatum.

At a press conference at Camp John Hay in Baguio City on Wednesday, Remulla said the DILG would not tolerate defiance of legal orders.

Parayno III contested the suspension order. He cited the election period, saying the implementation of the order, served by the DILG-Ilocos on Jan. 7, is illegal and without prior approval from the Commission on Elections.

The Comelec said that while the suspension of elected officials during an election period requires approval, the prohibition started only on Jan. 12.

The Palace order remains final and executory, although the respondents may file a petition before the Court of Appeals