New Urdaneta mayor vows no job cuts

CALASIAO, PANGASINAN, Philippines — Newly installed Urdaneta City Mayor Blesildo Sumera assured city employees that they would keep their jobs under his administration, pledging to listen to all sectors before making decisions affecting the city.

Sumera, who took his oath of office on Oct. 16, assumed the mayoralty following the dismissal of Mayor Julius “Rammy” Parayno by the Office of the Ombudsman for grave misconduct.

During his first flag-raising ceremony as mayor, Sumera vowed to pursue an inclusive approach to governance, saying he would consider the views of employees and residents regardless of their positions.

“I will listen to everyone, whether low- or high-ranking, which will be the basis of the decisions for the city,” he said.

READ: Ombudsman dismisses 8 top Urdaneta execs from gov’t service

Sumera also welcomed those willing to support his administration, provided their efforts were genuinely intended to improve the lives of Urdaneta residents.

Previously the city’s third-ranking councilor, Sumera assumed the post after the Ombudsman’s decision also dismissed Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno and six city councilors.

The decision, dated April 15, 2026, was received by the city government only on Oct. 15.

Sumera said the dismissed mayor was preparing to file a motion for reconsideration.

He also disclosed that former Mayor Parayno called him on Oct. 16 and told him to take his oath as mayor.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the dismissed officials could seek reconsideration or appeal the Ombudsman’s ruling.

Meanwhile, Rio Esteves took his oath as vice mayor on Friday, replacing Jimmy Parayno.

Sumera and Esteves had previously been designated acting mayor and acting vice mayor, respectively, by the DILG on March 3, 2025, after other councilors declined to assume the positions.

However, they were unable to take over because the Paraynos continued to hold office despite a suspension order issued in January 2025.

As of Monday, there had been no official announcement about who would fill the council’s vacant seats. /cb