The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ensured the proper observance of succession rules in Nueva Ecija after the Office of the Ombudsman implemented the suspension of Governor Aurelio “Oyie” Umali for issuing quarry permits without the required clearances.

To maintain stability in the province, the DILG immediately reminded Vice Governor Gil Raymond Umali of his automatic assumption as Acting Governor. Eduardo Jose B. Joson VII, the first-ranked Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, was also designated as Acting Vice Governor. These measures guarantee the uninterrupted delivery of public service to the people of Nueva Ecija.

The DILG Regional Office III was directed to validate the fact of implementation, and their report confirmed that the suspension had been duly served, as evidenced by Governor Umali’s filing of a Motion for Reconsideration.

The DILG emphasized that its role is to uphold accountability while ensuring continuity of governance. The people’s welfare remains paramount, and services and programs in Nueva Ecija must remain on track despite political transitions.

“The law must be respected, and the people must always be served. This is the assurance of the DILG: that accountability will be upheld while ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the delivery of essential services,” the Department stated.

Original Article At: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-Ensures-Succession-Following-Suspension-of-Gov-Umali/NC-2025-1184