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Mayor Mike Rama was suspended due to nepotism and grave misconduct and these issues should be enough to disqualify him from running for any position in politics. The Ombudsman should look into every running candidate to see if they are qualified in all aspects to run for a position in politics. They shouldn’t be allowing politicians who don’t set a good example for our citizens to lead a community that needs good guidance. We need someone who can do his duties right and serve our community in the best way possible and in this case, Mayor Mike Rama is not eligible for this position.

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Mayor Mike Rama was suspended due to grave misconduct and nepotism, and that alone is a strong reason why the Ombudsman should not allow him to run for office again. Why would they allow a person with such a serious record of violations to run for office? We must set high standards for who we allow to run and whom we vote for in our community. We need leaders who build trust and show they can act responsibly and transparently.

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In this article he was already found guilty of nepotism and In my opinion we should not let Mayor Mike Rama run for office again. Mayor Mike Rama's suspension and permanent disqualification from public office are the result of the Office of the Ombudsman's discovery of administrative misconduct, including nepotism. Moreover, the allegations of unpaid salaries for city workers during his administration could be seen as neglect of responsibilities to the community. We shouldn't allow people who already have acted wrong before to run for office again, because we need leaders we can count on to do what’s best for our community. As for Mayor Mike Rama if he runs for office again he has the chance to do those wrong doings again. It is hard to trust someone who has already engaged in unethical behavior it can be risky because past actions often reveal their true identities and priorities. If they've done wrong before, they might repeat those actions, putting personal interests ahead of the public’s trust and well-being. Choosing a good mayor means picking someone who will take care of our city and make choices that will help everyone.

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Suspended Cebu City mayor Rama found guilty of nepotism

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The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday said it found suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama guilty of nepotism.

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This article made it evident and proven guilty that former Cebu City Mayor Michael "Mike" L. Rama has done serious illegal action or dirt to his 4 employees at the City Hall. He was also guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct, and discussing whether or not he should still be allowed to run for office is pointless because the Ombudsman has made it clear that he is permanently disqualified from running for public office ever again. But in my opinion, I do resonate with the Ombudsman's initial decision to not let Michael Lopez Rama ever run for the position because our Mayor reflects our city. If we are going to have someone in the position, someone who has past or ongoing cases, someone who has a history of grave misconduct, what government office we'll have? Will we ever learn? It's not about giving second chances because politics has high stakes, especially if we are going to talk about a progressive city in a developing country, it's about learning past mistakes and putting someone who has the heart, the mind, the spirit, and the body all out towards the position. We can't have someone who has half of his foot at the office and half at a courthouse.

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CEBU CITY, Philippines - The leadership of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has been in jeopardy in recent months as a series of legal controversies have unfolded.

Initially, he was placed under preventive suspension for failing to pay the salaries of four regular employees. More recently, the Office of the Ombudsman found him guilty of allegations of nepotism and grave misconduct, leading to his permanent disqualification from public office.

This article outlines the timeline of events that have led to these developments, based on coverage by CDN Digital.

April 16, 2024: Employees report salary delays

On April 16, four regular employees from the Cebu City government, including Maria Almicar Diongzon, Filomena Atuel, Chito Dela Cerna, and Sybil Ann Ybañez, reported that they had not received their salaries for nearly ten months.

The delay stemmed from a reassignment order issued in June 2023, which the employees contested, leading them to seek assistance from the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The CSC ruled that their reassignments were non-executory, allowing the employees to resume their previous positions.
READ: 4 Cebu City ex-tax mappers cry: Give us our 10 months worth of salaries
April 17, 2024: City Administrator's explanation

City Administrator Collin Rosell asserted that the salary delay was due to the employees' non-compliance with their reassignment orders.

He claimed the government's payroll processing was obstructed by the employees' failure to report to their newly assigned areas, emphasizing the city's position.
READ: Delayed salaries due to employees' defiance - City Admin
May 8, 2024: Preventive suspension order

The Office of the Ombudsman issued a preventive suspension order against Mayor Michael Rama and seven other city officials on May 8, 2024.

The suspended officials included City Administrator Collin Rosell, City Planning and Development Officer Katerina Janna L. Cabral, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Chief Nagiel Bañacia, Cebu City Social Welfare and Services Officer Malou Celeste, Human Resource Management Officer Ma. Melania B. Mendez, Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs Head Graciela P. Decena, and Bureau of Fire Protection-Cebu City Fire Marshal Insp. Jeferson P. Albasin.

The suspension, which was set for six months, was based on complaints of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a public officer, particularly in relation to the unresolved salary issues for the employees.
READ: Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama suspended for 6 months
May 17, 2024: Court of Appeals dismissal

On May 17, the Court of Appeals dismissed a petition for certiorari filed by Rama and the other suspended officials.
READ: CA dismisses petition for certiorari filed by Cebu City Mayor Rama, seven others
The court noted that the petitioners failed to first seek reconsideration of the Ombudsman's decision, which is a necessary step before such appeals.

May 28, 2024: Motion to lift suspension

In response to the Court of Appeals' dismissal, Rama's legal team filed a motion on May 28 with the Office of the Ombudsman to lift the suspension order.
READ: Suspended Mayor Rama files motion for reconsideration to CA
They contended that the Ombudsman's decision was based on biased information and argued that the suspension would cause grave damage to both Rama and the city's electorate.

June 20, 2024: Denial of motion
READ: Ombudsman denies Rama's petition to lift preventive suspension
The Ombudsman denied the motions to lift the suspension on June 20, stating that the evidence of guilt was strong and highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, which included dishonesty and grave misconduct.

August 20, 2024: Petition to the Supreme Court

On August 20, Rama filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Ombudsman's suspension order.
READ: Rama challenges suspension; SC orders Ombud, DILG to respond
He argued that the order violated his rights as an elected local official under the Ombudsman Act of 1989 and claimed that the Ombudsman overstepped its bounds.

September 10, 2024: Rama's nepotism case resurfaces; his legal team denies dismissal rumors

On September 10, Rama's legal team refuted rumors about his dismissal from public office, asserting that reports concerning a penalty related to nepotism were unfounded.

His camp subsequently filed a Motion for Clarification with the Ombudsman to address these rumors and seek clarity on his status.

In January 2023, Jonel Saceda, also known as "Inday Josa Chiongbian Osmeña," accused Michael Rama of appointing his brothers-in-law, Elmer and Gomer Mandanat, to positions under the Office of the Mayor and the Cebu City Medical Center.
READ: Rama dismissed from public office? Lawyers shut down rumors
Both brothers, siblings of Rama's second wife, Marilou Gimenez Mandanat-Rama, were employed as casual employees between January 2022 and December 2022.

September 25: Ombuds finds probable cause in nepotism case

On September 25, the Office of the Ombudsman announced its decision to elevate the nepotism case against Rama to court.

The ruling found probable cause for three counts of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act due to alleged nepotistic appointments.
READ: Ombuds finds probable cause in nepotism case vs. Rama
Rama's defense claimed he was misled into signing the appointments, but the Ombudsman maintained that his allegations lacked substantiation, citing his oversight as mayor.

September 25: Rama to challenge Ombudsman ruling on nepotism case

Rama's legal team planned to file a motion for reconsideration following the Office of the Ombudsman's ruling on his nepotism case.
READ: Rama to challenge Ombudsman ruling on nepotism case
They confirmed they are preparing to contest the Ombudsman's resolution, which found probable cause to indict the mayor for appointing his brothers-in-law to government positions in violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

October 3, 2024: Ombudsman orders Rama's dismissal, permanent disqualification from public office

On October 3, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the permanent disqualification of Michael Rama from holding any government position.

The ruling, dated September 9, found him guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct for hiring his wife's two brothers as casual employees at City Hall.
READ: Preventively suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama banned from public office
This decision entailed his dismissal from service, cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and a permanent ban on future government employment.

The announcement coincided with his political team, Partido Barug BagOng Sugbo Team Rama, filing their Certificates of Candidacy on the same day for the 2025 midterm elections. /clorenciana

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TIMELINE: From suspension to disqualification - key events in Michael Rama's legal battles

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The leadership of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has been in jeopardy in recent months as a series of legal controversies have unfolded.

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In my point of view it really depends if the Ombudsman should allow suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run for office again due to his past issues or suspension. If the suspension doesn't explicitly disqualify Rama from running again, allowing him to run could let the public judge his suitability, and to win the public trust again because the public is the one who can decide who are the people who can represent them.

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For me Ombudsman should not allow suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run for office again. A suspension usually means there were serious problems with his performance or actions. Letting him run could send the wrong message that it's acceptable to make mistakes without facing real consequences. We need leaders who are accountable for their actions and can earn the trust of the people. Allowing him to run again might make voters feel uncertain about their choices in the future. It's important to show that public officials must meet high standards of conduct. If we want a fair and responsible government, we should support rules that hold leaders accountable for their actions.

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Depending on why Mayor Mike Rama was suspended, allowing him to run for office again can be considered a fairness issue. One could argue that he should be given another chance to win back the public's faith if the suspension is due to procedural rather than criminal reasons. But as accountability is equally essential to government, the judgment should consider the specifics of his suspension as well as the wider ramifications for public confidence and official integrity.

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The Ombudsman's choice to permit suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run for office is a complicated matter that involves public interest, due process, and the right to run. While some argue that Rama should run on the foundation of innocence and the right to vote, others worry about abuse, fairness, and public trust, claiming that Rama's suspension might damage the government's standing and create an unfair playing field.

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In choosing a leader, I believe we should all be wise and critical. Candidates need to possess certain qualities to be able to lead and be a model to their people. In suspended Mayor Mike Rama’s case, I don’t think he deserves to have a chance to run for office again. Mike Rama was suspended for a reason, allowing him to run for office only shows how biased the system is. His cases with nepotism proves that he is ill-equipped to be a leader. The Office of the Ombudsman should not let Mike Rama run for office, as it will result in more difficulties for the City of Cebu.

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In my point of view, ombudsman should not allow mayor mike rama to run again for his case could be argue by the public, his lack of fairness in giving jobs or nepotism which is unfair to the public view. It could ruin his image if he runs again and people don't want to support this kind of leader. I mean, we don't want history repeats itself. Besides we all want new leaders who is fair and capable of handling a big responsibility that can benefit from the people or the city itself. And is willing to listen the voice of his people, to aim a better future that can be also useful for the next generation.

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Allowing a suspended mayor to run for office again raises difficult ethical and governance issues. Although it might show a dedication to due process and the possibility of individual change, it also runs the risk of decreasing public confidence if it is thought to justify unethical behavior such as nepotism. The case also emphasizes how crucial it is to have precise legal frameworks that deal with wrongdoing in public office. Lastly, allowing a suspended mayor to run for office again runs the risk of compromising the integrity of the political system and may convey the unsettling idea that responsibility for wrongdoing is negotiable.

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I think Mayor Mike Rama should not be allowed to run for office again because it was proven that he committed corruption and that is the reason for his suspension. If we let Mayor Mike Rama run for office again, he might repeat the same behavior, like corruption, nepotism, and other pending cases in which he was accused. As a citizen of Cebu, I want a mayor who is willing to help his people by being honest and fair in his duties. We deserve a responsible leader who puts his people’s needs first rather than their personal gain.

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In my opinion, Allowing Mike Rama to run could create an unfair advantage for him, as he would be able to campaign while facing serious allegations. The Ombudsman found Mike Rama guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct, leading to his dismissal from office and a perpetual ban from holding public office. While the Ombudsman's decision is not final, it is a serious finding that should not be disregarded.

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In my opinion, the Ombudsman should not allow suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run for office again. As citizens, we want leaders who set a good example and follow ethical standards. In Mike Rama's case, he was suspended for nepotism, which means he was accused of giving jobs or favors to family members instead of choosing the best person for the job. This kind of behavior shows a lack of fairness and misuse of power. If we want to maintain trust in our leaders and the democratic process, we need to show that misconduct has real consequences and that no one is above the law. Allowing him to run for office again sends the message that such actions don't have serious consequences, which isn't the kind of leadership we should support.

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The ombudsman should not allow Mayor Mike Rama to run for candidacy again due to his unresolved issues and his recent conviction for nepotism and misconduct. The ombudsman must recognize Mayor Rama's mistakes, as he does not deserve to be a leader. The people should have the right to have a leader who is responsible and can be expected not to put his well-being before others. A true leader must lead as an example to his people and guide them on the right path.

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In the issue of Suspended Mayor Mike Rama's involvement in a nepotism case in which he was found guilty of placing his wife's two brothers in City Hall positions under Civil Service rules and regulations. His service termination, eligibility cancellation, retirement benefit forfeiture, and permanent disqualification from government employment must be included in the ruling. In this kind of case the Ombudsman should not allow Mayor Mike Rama to run again and it will involves several kinds of issues, such as public opinion, moral behavior, and the law. We want a good leaders that make wise choices, that could guide us through difficulties, and motivate us to strive harder to reach our goal. To make a standard for honesty, responsibility, and growth, which makes society more resilient.

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Rama should not run for office again, and the Ombudsman should stop him from running because of his unresolved issues from his suspension. I and many people see his leadership as ineffective, and voting for him could cause a continued cycle of poor governance. The Ombudsman should prioritize the community’s well-being by keeping him from running and reinforcing the importance of accountability and integrity in leadership.

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Since Mayor Mike Rama's suspension is a result of his acts, I think the Ombudsman should not allow him to seek for office again. As a young person or student, I would support a mayor who is committed to improving education and raising community standards. It is essential that candidates have a clear vision for the future of the city and a history of effective leadership.

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As a student and a youth in this generation, I think oppossing the Ombudsman's choice for letting the suspended Mayor Mike Rama run for office again is my final answer. First off, accountability matters, if he got suspended for misconduct, that's a big deal. We wouldn't want a leader that has a bad past, right? We want—we need a leaders who set a good example and care for his/her people, and if someone has been suspended for misconduct, it just feels wrong to let them back in without addressing those issues. Also, letting Rama run again could overshadow younger candidates who might bring better, more innovative ideas/solution for our City. We need new leaders who truly saw the problems we faced right now and knows how to listen his/her people.

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The Ombudsman has no jurisdiction on this matter concerning Rama's bid for reelection. The Comelec as the country's enforcement and regulatory body on elections has the administrative jurisdiction and right on whether to allow a candidate to run for public office. On the one hand, the Ombudsman as an anti-graft body has the authority to discipline government officials and employees, with this regard, the office has the right to impose sanctions and even disqualifications on officials. Given this, the authority rests upon the comelec who has proper jurisdiction on deciding election cases.

In relation to the case of Mayor Michael Rama, the Office of the Ombudsman has already imposed a perpetual disqualification from holding public office based on the case of nepotism. The decisions of the Ombudsman are final and executory and given this, if we were only to base the answer on the decision of the Ombudsman and its jurisdiction to allow and or disallow erring public officials from holding office, then Mayor Michael Rama does not have the legal standing to be able to hold public office again.

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The Ombudsman should not allow Mayor Mike Rama to run for office again. He has done many actions and raised serious ethical concerns, demonstrated a disregard for legal standards, and undermined the public confidence in the political system. Let us take a look at one of his actions where he has been found guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct. The Ombudsmans’ ruling on last September 25, concluded that Mayor Rama unlawfully put his brother-in-law as city employees. That action violates the civil service rules that promote fairness and meritocracy in public service. He already violated several rules and letting him run again for the upcoming election would result in more and what would the people think if this continues, they could only conclude that the political system in our country isn't that reliable anymore. Citizens expect their leaders to uphold ethical standards and act in the best interest in their constituents but politicians like him abused their trust. While he has already filed his certificate of candidacy, the Comelec has the power and authority to cancel it based on the Ombudsman’s disqualification ruling. The combination of serious misconduct findings, legal disqualifications, and ethical considerations strongly supports that he is not allowed to run again. Disqualifying person like Mayor Mike Rama in the public service will help ensure that and is important to maintain high ethical standards and prioritize the welfare of their constituents over personal interest

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The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to indict suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama for nepotism.

In a resolution, the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict Rama for three counts of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Rama's spokesperson, Atty. Joselito Thomas Baena, in a post pointed out that:

"Yes, we already received a copy of the Resolution of the Ombudsman and the Mayor's legal team is already working on Mayor Rama's Motion for Reconsideration.

"We are ready to take this latest Resolution head on, and we are confident that Mayor Rama will attain justice.

"Mayor Rama will file his Certificate of Candidacy, as scheduled, and we lawyers agree, that only God can stop him.

"As Mayor Rama said, it is not over until it is over.""""

Rama's official Facebook account, "MIke Rama," was tagged in the post.

In January 2023, a complaint was filed against Rama for alleged nepotism before the Ombudsman in relation to the employment of his wife's brothers as casual employees of the City Hall.

The complainant, Jonel Saceda, who uses the handle "Inday Josa Chiongbian Osmeña" in social media, cited the 1987 Constitution, which prohibits the mayor from appointing to office relations up to the third degree.

The complainant asked the Ombudsman in Quezon City to suspend Rama preventively while the complaint was being resolved.

Atty. Collin Rosell, then secretary to the mayor, said in an interview in January 2023 that the two employees in question were already employed at City Hall long before Rama married their sister in October 2021, when he was still vice mayor.

"Probisyon sad sa balaod nga kining mayor o si bisan kinsa nga public official dili man tanan nga against nga paryente nimo imong ma-hire, puwede man ka'g adunay confidential employee...mao man nay ilang ipamutang nga co-terminus," Atty. Rosell said.

However, the Ombudsman cited that Rama's explanation that he was "surreptitiously made to sign the plantilla of casual appointments," for the said two brothers of his wife, was "unsubstantiated."

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Nepotism case vs suspended Cebu City mayor gets elevated

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The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to indict suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama for nepotism.

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I believe we deserve a leader who can comprehend and put our fellow citizens welfare and the future of the community first, which is why I think the Ombudsman should not permit suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run again. We require a leader who hears the issues we have and gives us the ability to make changes for the better in the future. Furthermore, I think that Mayor Mike Rama's conduct that resulted in his suspension should prevent him from running again.

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For me ombudsman shouldn't allow suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run for office again because he is suspended for a reason and his action led him to be suspended. As a youth or student, I would support a mayor who is committed to raising community standards, and boosting education. A clear vision for the city's future and a track record of successful leadership are essential for the candidate.

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Mike Rama should not be permitted to run in the upcoming election by the Ombudsman, and people should not vote for him because they have already seen the quality of his work. His service is opaque to the public, and as a young person in this generation, I don't want a leader that acts just to further their personal interests rather than the good of the people. His leadership abilities are insufficient to provide our hometown peace and harmony.

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Personally, there should be no way that the Ombudsman allows Mike Rama to run again with his unethical actions and not abiding the legal standard of the government. Letting him run again despite his bad records only shows how troubling and chaotic our system is. The integrity of the local governance is also questioned if they would let him run again as public official. Misconduct could grow in foster and public officials who’s also doing the same thing might think that it’s normal since they can run again for another time. This can lead to several factors such as abuse of power and raises governance concerns.

I opposed of letting him run again as a public official, our nation needs a person who upholds integrity and abide the legal standards of our country. Someone that gives a huge influence in the society through his good governance and service. Mike Rama does not possess this qualities and should be held accountable for what he had done and should not be given a seat to reinstate his position.

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Suspended Cebu City Mayor Rama, guilty ng nepotismo—Ombudsman

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Suspended Cebu City mayor faces 3 counts of nepotism 

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As a resident in Cebu City who witnessed his way of ruling as the mayor, I strongly disagree with allowing suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run for office again by the Ombudsman. Why? First of all, the verdict of the ombudsman regarding the case of three counts of nepotism and grave misconduct of Mayor Rama is the violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. So allowing Mayor Rama to run again gives him an opportunity for his past misconduct to repeat it again, a chance to abuse and manipulate us once more and to gain the trust and achieve bad intentions towards the Cebuano people. Will you allow that? Will you allow those political people that we deeply trusted and supported, who should be the role models of their people but are the ones who violate the law? This kind of unethical and illegal action should not be tolerated. What’s the purpose of the law? We have a law that everyone should follow, and that has no exceptions. Therefore, permitting it in spite of these serious accusations will only serve to further exacerbate the government system and erode public trust.

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There are legal bases as to why Mayor Rama was suspended, and in my opinion, that is enough for the Ombudsman not to let Mayor Rama run for office again. As a citizen living in the city where Mayor Rama wants to govern, I will oppose letting him run again. I cannot side with or elect an official who did not follow the rules. What would the people think if they knew their mayor did a horrible thing? This will urge the people to do things that defy the rules since their mayor once did. I disagree, knowing it is stated that the evidence of guilt was strong and highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, which included dishonesty and grave misconduct. We deserve honest and responsible people to govern our city. A right mayor should set an example for the citizens to follow.

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CEBU CITY, Philippines - The leadership of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has been in jeopardy in recent months as a series of legal controversies have unfolded.

Initially, he was placed under preventive suspension for failing to pay the salaries of four regular employees. More recently, the Office of the Ombudsman found him guilty of allegations of nepotism and grave misconduct, leading to his permanent disqualification from public office.

This article outlines the timeline of events that have led to these developments, based on coverage by CDN Digital.

April 16, 2024: Employees report salary delays

On April 16, four regular employees from the Cebu City government, including Maria Almicar Diongzon, Filomena Atuel, Chito Dela Cerna, and Sybil Ann Ybañez, reported that they had not received their salaries for nearly ten months.

The delay stemmed from a reassignment order issued in June 2023, which the employees contested, leading them to seek assistance from the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The CSC ruled that their reassignments were non-executory, allowing the employees to resume their previous positions.
READ: 4 Cebu City ex-tax mappers cry: Give us our 10 months worth of salaries
April 17, 2024: City Administrator's explanation

City Administrator Collin Rosell asserted that the salary delay was due to the employees' non-compliance with their reassignment orders.

He claimed the government's payroll processing was obstructed by the employees' failure to report to their newly assigned areas, emphasizing the city's position.
READ: Delayed salaries due to employees' defiance - City Admin
May 8, 2024: Preventive suspension order

The Office of the Ombudsman issued a preventive suspension order against Mayor Michael Rama and seven other city officials on May 8, 2024.

The suspended officials included City Administrator Collin Rosell, City Planning and Development Officer Katerina Janna L. Cabral, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Chief Nagiel Bañacia, Cebu City Social Welfare and Services Officer Malou Celeste, Human Resource Management Officer Ma. Melania B. Mendez, Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs Head Graciela P. Decena, and Bureau of Fire Protection-Cebu City Fire Marshal Insp. Jeferson P. Albasin.

The suspension, which was set for six months, was based on complaints of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a public officer, particularly in relation to the unresolved salary issues for the employees.
READ: Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama suspended for 6 months
May 17, 2024: Court of Appeals dismissal

On May 17, the Court of Appeals dismissed a petition for certiorari filed by Rama and the other suspended officials.
READ: CA dismisses petition for certiorari filed by Cebu City Mayor Rama, seven others
The court noted that the petitioners failed to first seek reconsideration of the Ombudsman's decision, which is a necessary step before such appeals.

May 28, 2024: Motion to lift suspension

In response to the Court of Appeals' dismissal, Rama's legal team filed a motion on May 28 with the Office of the Ombudsman to lift the suspension order.
READ: Suspended Mayor Rama files motion for reconsideration to CA
They contended that the Ombudsman's decision was based on biased information and argued that the suspension would cause grave damage to both Rama and the city's electorate.

June 20, 2024: Denial of motion
READ: Ombudsman denies Rama's petition to lift preventive suspension
The Ombudsman denied the motions to lift the suspension on June 20, stating that the evidence of guilt was strong and highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, which included dishonesty and grave misconduct.

August 20, 2024: Petition to the Supreme Court

On August 20, Rama filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Ombudsman's suspension order.
READ: Rama challenges suspension; SC orders Ombud, DILG to respond
He argued that the order violated his rights as an elected local official under the Ombudsman Act of 1989 and claimed that the Ombudsman overstepped its bounds.

September 10, 2024: Rama's nepotism case resurfaces; his legal team denies dismissal rumors

On September 10, Rama's legal team refuted rumors about his dismissal from public office, asserting that reports concerning a penalty related to nepotism were unfounded.

His camp subsequently filed a Motion for Clarification with the Ombudsman to address these rumors and seek clarity on his status.

In January 2023, Jonel Saceda, also known as "Inday Josa Chiongbian Osmeña," accused Michael Rama of appointing his brothers-in-law, Elmer and Gomer Mandanat, to positions under the Office of the Mayor and the Cebu City Medical Center.
READ: Rama dismissed from public office? Lawyers shut down rumors
Both brothers, siblings of Rama's second wife, Marilou Gimenez Mandanat-Rama, were employed as casual employees between January 2022 and December 2022.

September 25: Ombuds finds probable cause in nepotism case

On September 25, the Office of the Ombudsman announced its decision to elevate the nepotism case against Rama to court.

The ruling found probable cause for three counts of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act due to alleged nepotistic appointments.
READ: Ombuds finds probable cause in nepotism case vs. Rama
Rama's defense claimed he was misled into signing the appointments, but the Ombudsman maintained that his allegations lacked substantiation, citing his oversight as mayor.

September 25: Rama to challenge Ombudsman ruling on nepotism case

Rama's legal team planned to file a motion for reconsideration following the Office of the Ombudsman's ruling on his nepotism case.
READ: Rama to challenge Ombudsman ruling on nepotism case
They confirmed they are preparing to contest the Ombudsman's resolution, which found probable cause to indict the mayor for appointing his brothers-in-law to government positions in violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

October 3, 2024: Ombudsman orders Rama's dismissal, permanent disqualification from public office

On October 3, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the permanent disqualification of Michael Rama from holding any government position.

The ruling, dated September 9, found him guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct for hiring his wife's two brothers as casual employees at City Hall.
READ: Preventively suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama banned from public office
This decision entailed his dismissal from service, cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and a permanent ban on future government employment.

The announcement coincided with his political team, Partido Barug BagOng Sugbo Team Rama, filing their Certificates of Candidacy on the same day for the 2025 midterm elections. /clorenciana

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TIMELINE: From suspension to disqualification - key events in Michael Rama's legal battles

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The leadership of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has been in jeopardy in recent months as a series of legal controversies have unfolded.

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In my opinion, Mayor Mike Rama should not be allowed by the ombudsman to run for public office again. He has shown great misconduct and neglect of his duties that led to his suspension. These actions must not be overlooked because it puts the future of the citizens at risk in a corrupt system. Therefore, young generations deserve to choose new leaders that are committed to service and prioritize the well being of citizens. Electing new leaders can bring new perspectives and diversity to address pressing issues in the city.

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The Ombudsman's decision to suspend Mayor Michael Rama due to administrative and criminal complaints is a serious matter. Considering this, allowing him to run for office again might not be the best idea. His leadership and ethics are called into question because of the suspension, which stems from the alleged unlawful re-assignment and non-payment of several employees salaries. The Ombudsman and the citizens of Cebu City will ultimately make the choice but concerning the seriousness of the accusations, it is imperative that accountability and openness be given top priority in public office.

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The Ombudsman should not allow Mayor Mike Rama to run again, especially after being suspended for his actions. As a youth, I believe it's time for new leadership that truly understands the needs of our generation. We need leaders who will connect with us and prioritize the future of the community. The challenges we face, from unemployment to mental health issues, require a new perspective and innovative solutions.

Moreover, we need leaders who genuinely listen to our voices and empower us to contribute to the future of our community. It's not just about policies; it's about creating an environment where young people feel valued and heard. If we keep choosing the same people, we risk staying stuck in the same broken system. It’s time for a change that reflects the aspirations of the next generation and brings real progress that benefits everyone in our community.

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Philippine Star - The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered...

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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…

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As a youth living in this city, I don't think that the Ombudsman should allow the suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run again for office because he was already guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct. We don't want and need a leader who is guilty of his wrongdoings. We need a leader who is pure with his intention and wants the city to be a great place and safe for his people. However, as the new generation comes, let's choose a leader who puts first his people, not only himself and his family, and who wants for the better of all, and not only for himself can benefit from our hard work.

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As a young person, I believe that the Ombudsman should deny Mayor Mike Rama a second chance at office because I want a new leader who can restore confidence in our town and effect constructive change. It's critical that we have faith in our leaders to uphold our interests and beliefs. We deserve a leader who motivates us and demonstrates their dedication to community service.

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Rama is suspended for a reason, in my perspective,  letting him run again would imply that we are granting leadership to someone who has been proven guilty of wrongdoing. The way he runs and leads the city will be determined by his suspensions. Allowing him to have a position of leadership in our city would also reflect on us as local citizens. Lastly, as mayor he should be a good role model for his citizens.

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In my opinion, if the ombudsman will allow Mayor Rama to run again for candidacy, then there's a possibility that he will just commit again for his wrongdoings. As a citizen who lives in this city, I don't think that he is the mayor that we should have; rather, we should need a mayor who has good leadership that doesn't think only of himself but also think of his people's, a leader who is not dazzled by money, and a leader who has pure intentions to help those in need. I think that's the kind of leader we all want, and I don't see it in Mayor Mike Rama, as also proven by why he was suspended.

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For me, the Ombudsman should not allow the suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run for office again for he committed nepotism. And nepotism undermines trust in public officials and governance, as it shows favoritism rather than merit-based decisions. The City of Cebu needs a responsible, honest, loyal, and unbiased Mayor.

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In my opinion ,Mayor Mike Rama should not be allowed to run for office again. He is suspended for a reason his action led him to suspension .As a youth, I want a role model who will improve our city rather than make it worse for everyone. We want a mayor who will serve our community with honesty and loyalty to all citizens.

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For me ombudsman shouldn't allow suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run for office again because of nepotism and non-payment of the salaries for the employees. I believe that we should have a new leader with innovative ideas for us, ensuring our happiness and needs, moving us to a better future. With new leaders bringing us new perspectives and solutions, they could implement policies that ensures public funds are used responsibly and all employees are treated fairly.

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From my point of view, the Ombudsman should not allow suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run for office again because he is suspended for a reason. He did things that violated as a city mayor made him be suspended. We need a Mayor who would show us good behavior, has leadership skills, and is responsible. It is important to choose a Mayor who knows how to listen to the rants of his/her people. We need a Mayor who is transparent and not corrupt. Suspended Mayor Mike Rama should not be allowed by the Ombudsman to run for office again.

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First and foremost, suspended Mayor Mike Rama was disqualified due to nepotism and grave misconduct. It would be questionable if the Ombudsman would allow “suspended” Mayor Mike Rama to run again for office. Although the Cebuanos have different views on this – the supporters believe that if given a second chance, he can positively make an impact. However, based on his actions and decisions for the city; I strongly disagree that the Ombudsman should allow him to run again for office.

Secondly, allowing a suspended official to seek re-election could determine how flawed our system is, as it may send a message to everyone that political misconduct carries no real consequences. Furthermore, this decision might also distract from the urgent need of our city for an ethical leadership and a good governance, which is very crucial for our city’s development and well being.

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As a youth who know and saw everything, I want a new leader for a peaceful city, I don't think suspended Mayor Mike Rama should run again. He's accused of wrongdoing, like hiring family members and not paying employees. We need a leader with integrity and transparency. Let's choose a leader who puts people first, honest, and listens to all. that could make our city a great place to live, work, and grow, for everyone's benefit.

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As a youth of this generation, the Ombudsman shouldn't allow suspended Mayor Mike Rama to run for office again and allow a new leader to run and lead us to a better democracy. Allowing new leaders into government brings fresh energy and ideas, helping to keep things moving forward. It ensures that leaders stay accountable and that different voices and perspectives are heard. With new leadership, governments can stay in touch with what people really need, preventing the system from becoming stuck in old ways. This openness to change makes the government more effective, inclusive, and better equipped to serve everyone.

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In my opinion, the Ombudsman shouldn't allow Mayor Mike Rama to run again because, as a youth, I want a new face of leadership who can bring positive change and rebuild trust in our community. It's important for us to feel confident that our leaders represent our values and priorities. We deserve a leader who inspires us and showing that they are committed to serving the community.