Porac mayor posts bail over graft cases

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Jaime Capil of Porac, Pampanga surrendered to the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 265 yesterday and posted bail for seven counts of graft.

Accompanied by his counsels, Capil paid a total bail of P630,000, prompting the court to withdraw the arrest order it issued against him earlier.

The mayor said he would resume his duties at the municipal hall.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections said Capil has asked the Comelec to reverse a ruling disqualifying him from the May 2025 mayoral race.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia yesterday said the poll body would soon decide on Capil’s motion.

“Capil filed an MR and the en banc has yet to rule whether to affirm or reverse the decision,” Garcia said.

He said the Comelec disqualified Capil based on a decision of the Office of the Ombudsman, declaring the mayor guilty of gross neglect of duty.

The ombudsman said Capil failed to stop the operation of the Philippine offshore gaming operator in his area of jurisdiction.

Garcia said Capil’s graft cases would not affect his disqualification case. — Mayen Jaymalin