Former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama has received a second dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman, finding him guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service.
This follows his first dismissal on Oct. 3, 2024, for nepotism and grave misconduct after appointing his wife’s brothers as casual employees.
The Jan. 3, 2025 order also dismisses five former bids and awards committee (BAC) members: Leizl Calamba, Lyndon Basan, Conrado Ordesta III, Janeses Ponce and Dominic Diño.
The complaint, filed by Jundel Bontuyan in August 2023, alleged that Rama and the BAC awarded three garbage collection contracts to Jomara Konstruckt Corp., ACM Hauling Services and ARN Central Waste Management without competitive bidding.
Rama’s legal counsel, Collin Rosell, said that motions for reconsideration have been filed and emphasized that the ruling doesn’t affect Rama’s eligibility for the 2025 elections, noting that only a final judgment with perpetual disqualification can disqualify a candidate. Rosell added that the Supreme Court had issued a temporary restraining order against a Commission on Elections resolution potentially impacting Rama’s candidacy.
The case stems from emergency procurement following typhoon Odette in December 2021. The BAC recommended negotiated procurement under emergency provisions, resulting in contracts worth P4.96 million for ACM, P4.99 million for Jomara and P35 million for ARN. Rama later authorized another P12.83 million contract with ACM.
While respondents justified bypassing competitive bidding due to the state of calamity and time constraints, the Ombudsman ruled that their actions violated Republic Act 9184, which ensures transparency and fairness in government procurement. /JPS