DISMISSED Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama is facing an arrest warrant over a nepotism case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman, accusing him of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Rama, who is running for mayor in the May 2025 elections, confirmed during a media forum on April 1 that he was aware of the warrant weeks ago.
However, he questioned why it was issued in San Carlos City instead of Cebu City, where the alleged offense occurred.
“I have to attend to the situation with much circumspection. Now that the warrant has been signed, it means that anywhere I am, they can just handcuff me,” Rama said.
He revealed that he had already posted bail of P270,000 in a Cebu City court.
Calling the case political persecution, Rama vowed to continue his campaign, declaring, “I will never surrender. Only death can stop my candidacy.”
His lawyer, Collin Rosell, argued that nepotism is not a criminal offense but was converted into a graft case under RA 3019. He added that the case was transferred to San Carlos City due to a Supreme Court resolution on jurisdictional changes.