Dismissed Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes are facing disqualification petitions ahead of the 2025 elections, despite receiving temporary restraining orders (TROs) from the Supreme Court.
Residents have filed complaints with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), citing penalties from Ombudsman rulings that disqualify both mayors from holding public office.
In Cebu City, a resident’s petition against Rama highlights a recent Ombudsman decision that found him guilty of nepotism, resulting in his dismissal and perpetual disqualification.
Similarly, in Mandaue City, residents argue that Cortes misrepresented his eligibility for reelection after being found guilty of grave misconduct.
While both mayors received TROs preventing Comelec from enforcing the disqualification orders, the Comelec Chairman affirmed their commitment to uphold the Ombudsman’s decisions and expressed hope that the Supreme Court would recognize the legal rationale behind their actions.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 3, 2024
