Rama posts bail for nepotism case, cries political persecution

Local

AN ARREST warrant has been issued against former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama in connection with a nepotism case, following allegations of violations under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The case, elevated by the Ombudsman, was filed over his alleged appointments of relatives to City Hall positions.

Rama confirmed this during the MyTVCebu Open Line news forum on Tuesday, April 1.

He said he was notified of the warrant weeks ago but questioned why it was issued in San Carlos City, not Cebu City.

“Aware of the situation, thinking all the time what has been the practised by the court of justice. I was also wondering why it was in San Carlos City… Crime committed supposedly warrant should not be issued in [elsewhere], because its jurisdictional. When a crime is committed in Cebu City, the filing of the case must be in Cebu City,” he said.

Rama said he posted bail of P270,000 in a Cebu City court and criticized the move as political persecution.

“I will never never surrender. Only death can stop my candidacy as mayor of Cebu City,” he said.

Rama’s lawyer, Collin Rosell, explained that the case originated from a nepotism allegation, which is typically not considered a criminal offense.

He emphasized that nepotism is generally not seen as a crime, but in this case, it was reclassified as a violation of Republic Act 1319, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

According to Rosell, the claim was that Rama took advantage of his position by hiring relatives, but he pointed out that these relatives were already employed at City Hall before Rama became mayor.

Rosell stressed that the decision failed to mention that Rama’s relatives were already working at City Hall prior to his tenure, questioning how he could have taken advantage of a situation that already existed.

“Ang pangutana gane ngano niabot sa San Carlos, ang gisulti ana sa rules nga kung public official ka, adto sa laing judicial region ka nga dili ka diha na judicial region. For example if sa Cebu City ka gahold ug office, adto ang hearing sa laing judicial region mao ng naabot sa San Carlos City,” he explained.

“For cases na siya nga wala kaabot daw ug 1 million ang giallege na injury ana na siya ang rules,” Rosell added.

Rosell also stated that Rama’s candidacy would not be affected, dismissing any concerns from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In October 2024, Rama was dismissed from office by the Ombudsman for nepotism and grave misconduct, with penalties including disqualification from government service.(TGP)