MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has affirmed the disqualification of former Albay governor Noel Rosal from running in the May 12, 2025 elections.
In its decision, the Comelec en banc denied Rosal’s Motion for Reconsideration (MR) for his failure to present new arguments.
The seven-man panel’s ruling also sided with the earlier decision of the Comelec Second Division canceling Rosal’s Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for Albay governor.
“The Commission en banc found no merit in the arguments raised by Noel Rosal in his Motion for Reconsideration, which is a mere rehash of the same arguments and positions already raised and discussed,” the poll body said.
The Comelec also noted that the Second Division was able to discuss extensively the factual grounds to disqualify Rosal under Section 40 (b) of the Local Government Code, which refers to those removed from office as a result of an administrative case.
“We agree with the discussion of the Commission (Second Division) that there are factual grounds to disqualify Respondent Rosal under Section 40 (b) of the Local Government Code,” it said.
Rosal was elected governor of Albay in the May 2022 elections but was dismissed from service by the Office of the Ombudsman in June 2024 after finding him guilty of grave misconduct, oppression, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The Ombudsman decision carries the penalties of perpetual disqualification to hold public office and cancellation of eligibility, and are immediately executory.
In October 2024, Rosal filed his COC seeking a new term as governor of Albay in the May 2025 elections. (PNA)