By Xander Ledesma
Lawyer Collin Rosell was arrested on Friday morning at the Cebu City Hall on charges of usurpation of authority.
The arrest occurred around 10:30 a.m. when Rosell was conducting business at City Hall. Officers from the Cebu City Police Office detained him under a warrant linked to accusations of impersonating a city official and issuing unauthorized directives. The complaint, filed by a government official, stems from an incident earlier this year, in which Rosell allegedly presented himself as having authority to make administrative decisions regarding a local land dispute.
Rosell’s legal team has condemned the arrest, claiming it was politically motivated due to his outspoken criticism of local government actions.
Under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, usurpation of authority refers to the unauthorized assumption of public office or authority. The case against Rosell involves his alleged issuance of directives to city employees without authorization during the land dispute.
Rosell, a well-known attorney in Cebu, has been involved in political advocacy and has criticized local government practices. He has previously raised concerns about public contract transparency and government infrastructure management.
As legal proceedings continue, Rosell’s arrest has sparked discussions on the intersection of legal practice and political influence in Cebu City.