Ombudsman removes Urdaneta City mayor, vice mayor, six councilors

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the removal from office of Urdaneta City Mayor Julio 'Rammy' Fernandez Parayno III and Vice Mayor Jimmy Dereje Parayno, along with six members of the city council, based on consolidated administrative complaints filed against them.

In a decision dated April 15, 2026, the Ombudsman found both the mayor and vice mayor administratively liable on grounds specified in the administrative charges. The decision also encompasses sanctions against the six Sangguniang Panglungsod members implicated in the consolidated cases.

The dismissals represent a significant administrative action affecting the leadership structure of Urdaneta City in Pangasinan. The removal of the mayor and vice mayor simultaneously, coupled with the sanctions against multiple councilors, will necessitate succession procedures under local government succession laws.

The Ombudsman's decision follows a review of the consolidated complaints, which detailed specific administrative violations attributed to the officials. The office's action underscores ongoing efforts to ensure accountability among local government officials in the region.