In Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a stern warning to councilors Franco del Prado and Warren Andrada. They have been directed to take on the roles of acting mayor and acting vice mayor, respectively, following the 12-month suspension of Mayor Julio Parayno III and Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno III. The suspension, effective from January 7, 2025, stems from allegations of grave misconduct and abuse of authority, as claimed in a case filed by Michael Brian Perez, president of Urdaneta City Liga ng mga Barangay, back in October 2022. DILG Ilocos Region Director Jonathan Paul Leusen Jr. personally delivered the advisory to the councilors, emphasizing the necessity of their immediate assumption of the vacant positions. However, Leusen reported that they were unable to meet with Del Prado and Andrada. He stressed the importance of their duty to step into these roles, warning that refusal could lead to charges of dereliction of duty. Leusen also mentioned ongoing efforts to coordinate with department heads to ensure a smooth transition during this period of suspension.
