Ombudsman suspends Cebu City Mayor Rama

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered a six-month preventive suspension of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and seven other city government officials in connection with the administrative cases they are facing for the alleged illegal reassignment and withholding of salaries of four city hall employees.

In a 10-page order approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency said it found sufficient grounds for the suspension of Rama and the other officials “considering that there is strong evidence showing their guilt.”

Also suspended were city administrator Collin Rosell, city assessor officer-in-charge Maria Theresa Rosell, assistant department head for administration Francis May Jacaban, assistant department head for operations Angelique Cabugao, administrative division head Jay-Ar Pescante, division head for assessment of records management Lester Joey Beniga and computer division head Nelyn Sanrojo.

The ombudsman said the preventive suspension is in order as the continued stay in office of the local officials may prejudice ongoing investigation since they have control and custody of relevant documents and other potential evidence.

The office of Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos was asked to submit proof of implementation of the suspension order.

Rama and the seven other city government officials are facing charges of grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a public officer, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave abuse of authority or oppression and violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Tax mappers Filomena Atuel and Maria Diongzon as well as local assessment operations officers Sybil Ann Ybañez and Chito dela Cerna filed the complaints last month, saying Rama issued orders reassigning them to other departments without any reason.

The ombudsman said the complainants have not received their salaries since July 2023 and were not reinstated to their posts despite a decision of the Civil Service Commission that granted their appeal.

In an interview with reporters, Rama said he was not aware of the suspension order.

He said he has not received a copy of any complaint, adding that his lawyers ”will take care of it.”