The flag-raising ceremony in front of the Municipal Hall of Zarraga, Province of Iloilo proceeded on Monday, October 20, 2025 without the mayor and the vice mayor.

Mayor Jofel Soldevilla and Vice Mayor Michael Omar Lacson did not attend the flag-raising ceremony, following a dismissal order issued against them by the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged gross misconduct in relation to the purchase of over half-a-hectare land intended as a relocation site worth over P11 million.

On October 16, 2025, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 6 received a copy of the dismissal order, but could not confirm yet whether Soldevilla and Lacson have received their copies.

Should the order be served, the DILG 6 said it will apply the law of succession. The first councilor will serve as mayor, while the second councilor will assume as vice mayor.

(with reports via Julius Belaca-ol/GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas)