The Municipality of Zarraga in the Province of Iloilo has a new mayor.

Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) Member Jeffrey Silveo took his oath of office as the new mayor before Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. morning on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

He has replaced Ma. Jofel Soldevilla, former mayor.

SB Member Laurence John Sortigosa took his oath of office as well, replacing Michael Omar Lacson, former vice mayor.

The Ombudsman dismissed Soldevilla and Lacson based on a complaint for grave misconduct filed by Andre Bon Sumagaysay, former SB member.

Earlier, GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas reported about the dismissal order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman against Soldevilla and Lacson for gross misconduct in relation to alleged purchase of over half-a-hectare land intended as a relocation site worth over P11 million.

“We will be starting na sa pag-normalize sa operations ng bayan natin, basic services, kun ano man na mga programs and projects na nandyan ngayon pag-aaralan at hopefully hindi na ma-hamper,” Silveo said.  

Sortigosa has joined in the call for LGUs to be more transparent and accountable to the townspeople. 

“We will make sure na ang ating bayan maging transparent, accountable, and honest sa people,” Sortigosa said.

Further, it was learned that Silveo and Sortigosa have not gotten yet the chance to talk to the former officials since the dismissal order took effect.

Silveo vowed to be more prudent with transactions in his office and municipality before embarking on projects and programs.

“We will try our best na all transactions must go through the proper channels and proper procedures,” the new mayor stressed.

In addition, Silveo said they would be looking for solutions to vital positions while three department heads of the LGU are on preventive suspension for six months.

To recall, the accountant, budget officer, and treasurer of the municipality have been suspended in relation to the complaints filed against the former mayor and the former vice mayor.