By Xander Ledesma
Dismissed Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama assured supporters on Thursday that he will fight to keep his name on the ballot for the upcoming mayoral race, despite a disqualification petition filed against him with the Commission on Elections (Comelec). At a press conference, Rama argued that there is no legal basis for the poll body to remove his name, as the Ombudsman’s recent decision on nepotism charges against him is not yet final.
Rama, dismissed following an October 3 ruling by the Ombudsman which found him guilty of nepotism and barred him from holding public office, said his legal team is preparing to counter the petition. “We have substantial legal foundation to face this petition,” he asserted.
The disqualification case was filed by Junel Bontuyan, who cited the Ombudsman’s resolution as grounds for removing Rama from the ballot, arguing that allowing his candidacy would undermine laws meant to ensure public office appointments are based on merit rather than family ties. Rama’s legal team is reportedly exploring all possible remedies to maintain his candidacy.
A similar disqualification petition has been filed against Mandaue City’s dismissed mayor, Jonas Cortes, who also faces charges that led to his removal from office and a lifetime disqualification. The petition against Cortes, submitted by Labogon residents Ines Corbo Necesario and Julita Oporto Narte, claims he misrepresented his eligibility in his certificate of candidacy despite the Ombudsman’s ruling.