The former administrator of Cebu City who was handcuffed for alleged usurpation of authority has already posted bail.

Atty. Collin Rosell was arrested past 5 p.m. on November 8, 2024 inside the Office of the Mayor. Rosell was accused of usurpation of authority when he functioned as a city administrator despite the dismissal of Michael Rama from the government service, as city mayor, based on an order by the Ombudsman.

Rosell said that Rama did not receive a copy of the Ombudsman decision.

He described the arrest as an abuse of power on the side of the policemen wherein the director of the Cebu City Police Office himself facilitated the arrest and took him to the police station.

Rosell is out on bail after the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) acknowledged his right to post bail despite the non-filing yet of the case against him, based on Rule 114 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure while the case has not reached the court yet.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Police Office Director, Police Colonel Antonietto Cañete, has stood firm on the legal arrest of Rosell based on his demeanor at the City Hall.

Rosell entered the premises of the City Hall and performed tasks at the Office of the City Mayor, despite his severed employment. This was confirmed by the Human Resource and Management Office at the City Hall.

He claimed to be the city administrator still, and signed a memorandum to the City Security Unit on the “Re-assumption of Office of Mayor Michael Rama and His Security Protocols at the Cebu City Hall.”

Cañete pointed out that the arrest was based on the law because Rosell’s entry into the city mayor’s office is unauthorized as well as his issuance of a memorandum, as he is not holding the position of city administrator anymore after Rama’s dismissal from the service.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia backed the action of the policemen. He underscored that Rosell has no legal personality anymore at the City Hall.

The current city administrator, Atty. Christine Batucan, serves as the nominal complainant against Rosell for alleged usurpation of authority.

Tight security is in place at the City Hall to avoid a similar incident.

Tension ensued on November 8, 2024 when Rosell reported at the City Hall for supposed return to work. Rama’s supporters also staged a protest in front of the City Hall.

Further, Rama’s photographs hung on the wall at City Hall premises have also been removed, and replaced by the photos of Garcia.

Garcia assured that the strict security at the City Hall will not affect the delivery of services.

As for Cañete, he said that he will continue to perform his duties based on the direction and  leadership of the Philippine National Police.

Meanwhile, Garcia ordered an investigation on City Hall employees who joined allegedly the protest on November 8, 2024.

Rama remains out of the country with his wife on their honeymoon.