Dismissed mayor won’t vacate post

LEGAZPI CTY—Despite affirmation from the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court involving an Ombudsman’s order dismissing him from service in 2013, Mayor Billy Ceriola of Malinao in Albay refuses to vacate his office.

Ceriola was ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman in the wake of a graft complaint filed by Councilor Irene Fajut concerning the operation of the Malinao Cockpit Arena in 2012—owned no less by the mayor but operating without any permit.

The Ombudsman’s resolution clearly ordered Ceriola’s perpetual disqualification to hold office as mayor, barred him from holding position in any government office or agency, and forfeited all benefits due him as public official.