DILG serves dismissal order vs Paoay mayor

LAOAG CITY –– The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Ilocos Region on Thursday served the dismissal order against re-elected Paoay town Mayor Jessie Galano.

Galano was not in his office to receive the dismissal order that was served by lawyer Patrick Estillore, regional legal officer of DILG Region 1 and signed by DILG Regional Director James Fadrilan.

Meanwhile, the DILG has directed Vice Mayor Romulo Acdal to assume the mayoral post by the law of succession.

Galano was dismissed following an administrative complaint filed in 2015 by then Paoay Mayor Dolores Clemente against him when he was still the vice mayor.

The complaint alleged that Galano was not authorized to sign travel orders and other related documents as a vice mayor.

The Ombudsman found him guilty of violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and the Local Government Code.