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Cebu News

Arrest order out; Rama posts bail

Iris Hazel Mascardo - The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines — The nepotism case that led to the dismissal and perpetual disqualification of former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama from public service has escalated, resulting in the issuance of a warrant for his arrest, for which he posted a P270,000 bail.

Rama revealed this development during a news forum on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. He stated that his legal team discovered an arrest warrant online, issued from San Carlos, Negros Occidental, for a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act related to his nepotism charges.

When asked why the warrant originated from another region, Rama admitted he was unsure.

“I have no idea,” said Rama.

He mentioned that he did not need to travel to San Carlos to post bail, opting instead to surrender at a court in Cebu City. His legal team found the electronic warrant online, prompting his immediate action.

“I went to the court and said, what’s next?” Rama recounted upon learning about the warrant.

Former Cebu City Administrator Lawyer Collin Rosell, also one of Rama’s counsels, stated that the warrant was issued on March 11, 2025, the same day bail was posted.

Rosell explained that while nepotism is typically an administrative matter, it was elevated to a criminal case under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, alleging that Rama took undue advantage by hiring his brothers-in-law.

Rosell clarified that Rama’s brothers-in-law were already employed at City Hall before Rama married his wife, Malou, and prior to his election as mayor.

“So unsaon nimo pagka-advantage nga diha naman na daan?” Rosell argued.

According to Rosell, the warrant was issued following the denial of Rama’s Motion for Reconsideration and the subsequent filing of the criminal case.

Regarding the warrant’s issuance in San Carlos, Rosell explained that, according to rules, a public official’s warrant can be issued in a different judicial region from where they hold office, especially in cases where the alleged “injury” is less than P1 million.

Despite being an electronic warrant, Rosell confirmed its legitimacy but noted they could challenge this before the Supreme Court, expressing confidence in their evidence.

“Daghan mang mga punto nga wala na hisulat, wala na recognize, wala na appreciate, so mas maayo nga adto sa korte,” said Rosell.

Rosell added that while exploring other legal remedies, the legal team is also preparing for Rama’s upcoming trials.

He assured that Rama’s candidacy remains valid, as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) does not have any legal precedent affecting Rama’s nepotism case.

Previously, Rama and seven other City Hall officials faced a six-month preventive suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman following complaints from four employees who were reassigned and unpaid for ten months.

A 10-page resolution found sufficient grounds to suspend the officials for grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a public officer, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave abuse of authority (oppression), and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for public officials and employees.

The case originated from a complaint filed by four regular employees of the City Assessor’s Office: Filomena Atuel, Maria Almicar Diongzon, Sybil Ann Ybanez, and Chito Dela Cerna.

Just before the preventive suspension expired, Rama was issued a dismissal and perpetual disqualification by the Office of the Ombudsman after being found guilty of nepotism. Despite this, Rama’s camp maintains that the decision has not been formally served, asserting that his position as mayor remains valid. — ATO (FREEMAN)

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