Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia secured another legal victory after the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas dismissed the eighth complaint challenging his succession following Michael Rama’s removal from office.
In its Jan. 27 resolution, the Ombudsman ruled that its administrative decisions are immediately executory and do not require DILG endorsement, rejecting the claims of eight former city hall employees.
The complaint also implicated other local officials, but the Ombudsman emphasized that non-notification of DILG does not invalidate its rulings.
This adds to a series of failed challenges against Garcia, whose earlier critics included former senior city officials and candidates.
Despite the Ombudsman’s consistent decisions, Rama continues to dispute Garcia’s legitimacy and has secured a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court to join the May 2025 elections.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 29, 2025
