CEBU CITY — Suspended Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama is facing another legal battle after the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to charge him with three counts of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The charges are linked to the alleged appointment of his two brothers-in-law to positions in the Cebu City government.

The case stems from a 2023 complaint filed by Jonel Saceda, who used the name "Inday Josa Chiongbian Osmeña" on Facebook.

Saceda accused Rama of nepotism, grave misconduct, and graft and corruption before the Ombudsman in Quezon City.

In its resolution, the Ombudsman said that Rama "showed utter disregard of the law" by appointing his brothers-in-law, Elmer and Gomer Gimenez Mandanat, to government positions. They are brothers of Rama's second wife Marilou Mandanat Rama.

"Since the certificates of live birth of Elmer and Gomer show that they are siblings and younger brothers of Marilou, it is therefore established that their appointments by respondent are prohibited nepotistic appointments," Saceda said.

Elmer worked as process server at the mayor's office while Gomer served as Administrative Aide 3 at the Cebu City Medical Center.

These appointments occurred between January and December 2022 and violated the Local Government Code's provisions prohibiting officials from appointing relatives within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity.

The Ombudsman's resolution also noted that "the appointments of Elmer and Gomer are void ab initio and, therefore, are illegal."

It concluded that these acts constituted violations of Section 2 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits public officials from appointing relatives to government positions.

It also said that the "nepotistic appointments made by Rama are not justified by any law or regulation."

In a phone interview on Wednesday, Rama has confirmed that he is aware of the progress of the case filed against him and said his camp is addressing it already.

"Yeah! Lawyers now are handling it. But it is only probable, may nalang na probable, may gani wala giingon guilty (It's a good thing that it said probable and not guilty)," he said.

He also affirmed that they will answer the legal battle, saying, "Tuloy ang laban (The fight continues)."

Rama, and seven other officials, is currently serving a six-month preventive suspension imposed by the Ombudsman in connection with a separate case involving the alleged non-payment of salaries to four reassigned city hall employees.

Rama also said he is running for reelection in the 2025 midterm polls.