Rama leaves fate to SC after Ombuds verdict

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is now leaving his fate to the Supreme Court (SC) after the Ombudsman upheld its earlier verdict in the nepotism and grave misconduct case against him.

In an interview with reporters yesterday, Feb 19, 2025, Rama expressed enthusiasm that the Office of the Ombudsman had finally made a move, albeit the negative outcome.

He noted that their counter-motions are now being filed before the Supreme Court, and he will leave the outcome in its hands.

Last Feb. 10, 2025, Rama filed a petition for mandamus and prohibition, along with an application for the urgent issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order and/or Writ of Preliminary Injunction before the SC after no action or decision has been made by Office of the Ombudsman regarding his dismissal from office.

Yesterday, Rama emphasized that he will no longer speak ill of the decisions being imposed against him.

“I don’t even have to move. I will have to check with my lawyer. Naa naman. We have written all (motions). Kadumdom ka naa koy gi-file? Tua na sa Supreme Court na. I don’t know how the Supreme Court will appreciate nga nag-una man akong petition kaysa sa ilang desisyon,” Rama told reporters.

On his Facebook page, Rama addressed his supporters and followers, urging them not to be “swayed.”

He shared that he had already sought the Supreme Court’s intervention asking the highest court to

“invalidate the entire proceedings in the Ombudsman” due to the alleged “lack of jurisdiction and violation of my constitutional right to a speedy disposition of cases.”

“The belated issuance of the resolution denying the Motion for Reconsideration is a belated and desperate attempt to moot the Petition. The case is already with the Supreme Court. It is no longer with the Ombudsman. It is now up to the Supreme Court,” Rama said.

He further stated that while the Office of the Ombudsman has upheld its decision, it has yet to be implemented. According to him, the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, and the Ombudsman must abide by its final decision.

In previous interviews, Rama maintained that the Ombudsman’s decision to dismiss and perpetually disqualify him from holding government office has not been formally implemented, as he has not yet received any official documents regarding it.

In line with this, Rama has filed charges regarding the alleged illegalities surrounding the ascension of current Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to his position in a permanent capacity.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Rama said he remains unfazed, emphasizing that he would triple his efforts instead.

“Pero lami kaayo isyagit ba kay 2023 pa gud na. Unsa ng tuiga? 2025! Mao na, I wish conscience would guide those involved in running after me,” said Rama.

He concluded by stressing “there can never be nepotism.”

On the other hand, he also hinted that Cebu City Hall is filled with potential nepotism cases involving councilors and the city’s 27 departments.

Ombuds holds decision

Rama's stems from a complaint filed by a certain Jonel Saceda, also known as “Inday Josa Chongbian Osmeña,” in February 28, 2023, for alleged nepotism after the mayor appointed his wife’s two brothers as casual employees of Cebu City.

The Ombudsman emphasized that the positions to which Rama’s brothers-in-law were appointed were not exempt from the rules on nepotism.

The Ombudsman released a decision on September 9, 2024, which found him guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct. As a result, he was penalized with dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from holding any government office.

Rama filed a Motion for Reconsideration on October 15, 2024 on the grounds that he had no personal involvement in the selection and qualification process of the appointees, stressing that affixing his signature on the appointment documents was merely part of his administrative duties.

In the recent Ombudsman's ruling dated January 15, 2025 denying Rama's motion, the Ombudsman maintained that it stood by its findings of Rama’s guilt for grave misconduct and nepotism, as he had “discharged his role as appointing authority and City Mayor.”

Meanwhile, when asked whether Rama’s candidacy would be affected by the Ombudsman’s most recent decision, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Regional Director Lawyer Francisco Pobe stated that it was not under their jurisdiction to decide.

He added that their only concern is the petition for disqualification filed against Rama before the COMELEC, which has yet to be resolved. Pobe further explained that they would have to wait for a resolution from COMELEC, and if one is issued, Rama could contest it in court. (CEBU NEWS)