Dueñas’s top councilor assumes vice mayor post

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Pia June Pama, the top-ranking member of the Dueñas, Iloilo, Sangguniang Bayan, formally took her oath as the town’s new vice mayor on Monday, Jan. 5, following the death of Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan.

Pama assumed the post in accordance with Section 44 of the Local Government Code of the Philippines, or Republic Act No. 7160, which provides that the highest-ranking member of the local council shall succeed to the vice mayoralty in the event of a permanent vacancy.

She garnered 11,659 votes, or 51.17 percent, in the 2025 elections, making her the highest-ranking councilor.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Dueñas Mayor Robert Martin Pama, Local Government Operations Officer VI Sheryl Faulve, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and municipal department heads.

The mayor expressed full support for the new vice mayor, underscoring the importance of collaboration and a shared vision in advancing the municipality’s development goals.

In a social media post, Pama expressed admiration for Lamasan, describing her as both a mentor and a close ally.

Lamasan, who was first elected vice mayor in 2022, died on Dec. 31 while undergoing treatment at St. Paul’s Hospital of Iloilo after accidentally shooting herself at her home in Puerto Real de Iloilo Subdivision, Barangay Tabuc Suba, La Paz district, Iloilo City, on Dec. 30.

The Iloilo City Police Office formed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) Lamasan to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

Police Col. Kim Legada, Iloilo City Police Office director and SIT commander, said investigators have found no evidence to support allegations of foul play and that there is no probable cause to charge any individual at this time.

Legada added that the investigation remains ongoing, including forensic examinations, sworn statements, and a review of closed-circuit television footage.

Authorities urged the public to refrain from speculation and unverified statements, stressing that the probe will adhere to due process and rely solely on verified facts.

Funeral services began with family viewings from Jan. 3 to 5 at St. Peter Chapels in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, before the remains were brought to Dueñas.

Public viewing was scheduled on Jan. 6, with a necrological service set for Jan. 7.