Comelec restrained

Last Wednesday, the Supreme Court restrained the Commission on Elections from disqualifying from the 2025 polls government officials who have been dismissed and barred from ever holding public office. Comelec officials said some 100 people could be covered by the SC ruling.

Among the most prominent officials who have been dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman and perpetually barred from returning to government service are mayors Michael Rama of Cebu City, Jonas Cortes of Mandaue, Cebu and Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac. Comelec Chairman George Garcia had earlier said that the disqualification from the 2025 polls was based on the perpetual ban from public office.

Guo has eschewed seeking reelection, saying she wanted to focus on her numerous legal woes. Rama, who was dismissed for nepotism and grave misconduct for appointing two of his brothers-in-law as city hall contractual employees, has filed his certificate of candidacy for reelection.