The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to indict suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama for nepotism. 

In a resolution, the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict Rama for three counts of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. 

Rama’s spokesperson, Atty. Joselito Baesa, in a reply made to GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak, said they still have to wait for a copy of the said resolution. But that Rama’s legal team said it is prepared to ask the Ombudsman to reconsider its findings through a formal motion for reconsideration.

In January 2023, a complaint was filed against Rama for alleged nepotism before the Ombudsman in relation to the employment of his wife’s brothers as casual employees of the City Hall. 

The complainant, Jonel Saceda, who uses the handle “Inday Josa Chiongbian Osmeña” in social media, cited the 1987 Constitution, which prohibits the mayor from appointing to office relations up to the third degree. 

The complainant asked the Ombudsman in Quezon City to suspend Rama preventively while the complaint was being resolved. 

Collin Rosell, then secretary to the mayor, said in an interview in January 2023 that the two employees in question were already employed at City Hall long before Rama married their sister in October 2021, when he was still vice mayor.

"Probisyon sad sa balaod nga kining mayor o si bisan kinsa nga public official dili man tanan nga against nga paryente nimo imong ma-hire, puwede man ka'g adunay confidential employee…mao man nay ilang ipamutang nga co-terminus,” Rosell said. 

However, the Ombudsman cited that Rama's explanation that he was “surreptitiously made to sign the plantilla of casual appointments,” for the said two brothers of his wife, was “unsubstantiated."