New Mayor Takes Office in Dauis
In a significant political shift, Dauis Vice Mayor Marie Nickie Bolos-Delgado officially assumed the mayoral position on Friday. This transition followed the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s enforcement of the Office of the Ombudsman’s order to dismiss Mayor Marietta Tocmo-Sumaylo from public service.
Bolos-Delgado, a licensed lawyer and former vice mayor, took her oath of office before Municipal Circuit Trial Court Judge Raul Barbarona at noon. She previously ran for vice mayor in the recent May elections alongside her running mate, former mayor Roman Bullen, who was unsuccessful.
Dismissal Over Business Permit Controversy
The dismissal of Mayor Sumaylo stemmed from a grave misconduct case related to the issuance of a business permit. The Ombudsman found her guilty of gross neglect of duty for approving a permit in June 2022 for the Dauis Cockpit Arena, despite the absence of a valid legislative franchise.
The controversy began when Antonio Aranjuez Sumobay, a former town employee, filed a complaint. He pointed out that cockfighting activities persisted at the arena in Barangay Totolan even after its original 20-year franchise—granted in 2000 to Peter Emman Mende—had expired. The franchise was later transferred to others, including Renee Elca Sigue and Wilson Du, despite local laws prohibiting such transfers.
Permit Issued Without Valid Franchise
Despite these legal restrictions, Sumaylo issued a permit on June 9, 2022, allowing the Du-owned arena to continue operations. The cockpit ran without a valid franchise until the municipal council passed a new ordinance on September 19, 2022. Wilson Du only received a new franchise in June 2023.
The Ombudsman ruled that issuing a permit without an active franchise was an irregularity and a clear overreach of authority. Sumaylo defended her actions by citing Municipal Ordinance No. 09-2000, which she claimed recognized franchise transfers. However, investigators noted that this ordinance had already been repealed when she granted the permit.
Legal Consequences and Penalties
Sumaylo faces severe penalties, including dismissal from government service, cancellation of her civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and permanent disqualification from holding any public office. If these penalties cannot be enforced, they will be converted into a fine equivalent to one year’s salary.
In addition to the administrative sanctions, Sumaylo is set to face trial for violating Section 3(j) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019).
Failed Legal Challenge
Having served three consecutive terms as mayor from 2013 to 2022 before reclaiming the position in 2025, Sumaylo sought a temporary restraining order on August 11, 2025. However, the Court of Appeals’ 19th Division dismissed her petition, paving the way for Bolos-Delgado’s assumption of office.
About Dauis Municipality
Dauis is classified as a fourth-class municipality and has a population of approximately 53,864 residents. The transition in leadership marks a pivotal moment for the town’s governance and future development.
For more news and updates on Dauis new mayor takes over, visit Filipinokami.com.
