Team Rama behind disqualification case versus Bebot

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Gerardo Carillo admitted that Team Rama supported the disqualification case filed before the Commission on Elections against incumbent south district Representative Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa.

Carillo is running under Team Rama against Abellanosa, who is Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan’s bet, in next year’s elections.

Philip Banguiran sought for the disqualification of Abellanosa on the ground that the congressman is no longer eligible to run following his conviction before the Office of the Ombudsman on the administrative case for grave misconduct.

“The mayor has said that it is the party,” Carillo told reporters when asked if he supported the filing of the disqualification case.

Mayor Michael Rama was asked during his regular press conference to comment on Abellanosa’s accusation that the case against him was initiated by Team Rama.

“Kinsa man diay laing mo-initiate? Who will initiate? Hello? If ever it is true or not, who will initiate?” Rama said.

“I wish Bebot (Abellanosa) luck. This would be a long process. Comelec cannot resolve in due time.  I believe he can still run but he has to answer in the proper forum which is in the Comelec,” Carillo said.

Carillo admitted that he saw Banguiran on October 16 when Team Rama candidates filed their Certificate of Candidacy.

Carillo said he did not ask Banguiran to file the disqualification case but the latter wanted the anti-graft office’s decision to be implemented.

Banguiran was also the complainant in the administrative case for grave misconduct in which Abellanosa was found guilty.

The Ombudsman meted Abellanosa the penalty of dismissal from service, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

The Ombudsman found Abellanosa guilty of grave misconduct when he signed the memorandum of agreement between the city government and the Asian College of Technology for city scholars to enroll in the school, where he was also a trustee-president. Abellanosa signed the agreement when he was still councilor of the city.

Carillo said he decided to run for the congressional seat to present “better option” to the people.

Abellanosa, for his side, wants the Comelec office to dismiss the disqualification case.

 “It is also filed after the deadline of five days after the last day of filing of the COC,” he said.

He added that the Ombudsman cannot dismiss him from holding his position for lack of jurisdiction.

“It is very clear in Section 2 of Rule III of the Ombudsman Rules that the Ombudsman does not have disciplinary authority or jurisdiction over members of Congress, members of the judiciary, and impeachable officials. This is also clearly stated in the Constitution, and the Ombudsman Act,” he added. — (FREEMAN)