CEBU CITY – They have signified their intention to return to office but two suspended mayors have bigger battles to hurdle other than the 2025 election.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes have been dismissed from service by the Office of the Ombudsman for various offenses but the two embattled government officials vowed to challenge the rulings.
The Ombudsman found the two leaders guilty of serious misconduct and barred them from holding future government positions although both have already filed their certificate of candidacy to seek reelection.
Rama has been ordered dismissed from service for nepotism and grave misconduct after appointing his brothers-in-law, Elmer and Gomer Mandanat, to key positions in the City Hall.
The Ombudsman ruling stated that Rama violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act by appointing relatives to roles that involved authority and influence within the city government.
The appointment was a violation of Civil Service Commission regulations, the anti-graft court said.
The Ombudsman shot down Rama’s defense that he was misled by the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), noting that the appointment documents clearly identified the familial ties involved.
The anti-graft court ordered Rama’s removal from office, cancellation of his eligibility for government service, and a lifetime disqualification from holding any public position.
Rama told reporters on Friday, Oct. 4, he did nothing wrong as the two brothers-in-law were already workers of the city before even before he became mayor.
“On behalf of Partido BARUG Bagong Sugbo Team Rama, I urge you all to stand together. Let us unite in our commitment to what is right, fair, and just,” Rama said in a statement. "Tuloy ang laban!" Rama added.
On the other hand, Cortes was dismissed for grave misconduct after he allowed the operation of a batching plant in Barangay Labogon, Mandaue without necessary permits.
The Ombudsman ruled that Cortes is liable for allowing Suprea Philippines Development Corp. to operate from 2020 to 2022 without proper permits, including business and environmental clearances.
Residents who complained about health risks and pollution caused by the plant filed the complaint against Cortes.
The Ombudsman noted that Cortes did not take appropriate action despite the residents’ concerns, noting that the mayor's failure to act decisively to protect the community’s welfare constituted grave misconduct.
Cortes blamed politics for the recent Ombudsman order.
“The Ombudsman’s decision comes as no surprise. Our opponents have used their connections and power against us,” Cortes said.
Cortes said he still filed his COC on Friday, Oct. 4, to show to the public that he can still run for office despite the dismissal order.