LOBO, BATANGAS — The Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of former Mayor Lota Manalo, overturning the Ombudsman’s earlier decision that dismissed her from office and imposed a perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed against Manalo by Efren Ramirez Construction and General Services (ERC), owned by Mr. Efren Ramirez. The charges included violations of the Ease of Doing Business Act, grave misconduct, and gross neglect of duty.
However, Manalo’s legal counsel claimed that ERC owed taxes to the municipality and accused the company of irregularities in securing infrastructure contracts in Lobo.
According to Atty. Jomer Aquino, lead legal counsel:
“Our stance is that under the Ombudsman’s rules, a dismissal resulting from an administrative case is immediately executory. In Mayor Manalo’s situation, the Ombudsman initially found her liable, but this decision was later overturned by the Court of Appeals. We believe that if the Ombudsman’s dismissal is considered immediately executory, then the Court of Appeals’ reversal should likewise take immediate effect. This is the position we are currently fighting for.”
Meanwhile, Atty. Leigh Villegas, another member of Manalo’s legal team, emphasized that the Court of Appeals found no wrongdoing on Manalo’s part.
According to Atty. Leigh Villegas:
“The Court of Appeals’ decision also noted that ERC’s actions were irregular. ERC had been directly communicating with the Office of the Mayor regarding contracts with the municipality, bypassing the proper procedure. The correct process requires that such requests go through the Bids and Awards Committee, particularly for infrastructure projects. Therefore, the Court of Appeals clarified that Mayor Manalo had no obligation to act on ERC’s requests, as they had not followed the correct procedure.”
In front of her supporters, an emotional Mayor Manalo appealed for peace and cooperation.
Mayor Lota Manalo stated:
“Stop it already, have mercy on our town that you claim to love. Where is your love for this town? Stop it already, let us work together for the town’s progress. There is a God watching over us.”
Meanwhile, Efren Ramirez insisted that his company adheres to proper business procedures and fulfills its tax obligations.
Efren Ramirez stated:
“That’s always her narrative — that I’m the cause of all her misfortunes. But she should also reflect on her actions and why cases are filed against her. If her lawyers claim she can already return to office, why hasn’t she done so? Don’t blame me for everything that happens to her.”
Ramirez also clarified that ERC has no tax liabilities and follows the correct permitting process.
“We know the proper procedures for obtaining permits and paying taxes. We’re not a small contractor; we operate in other towns as well. We have BIR clearances, and you can’t secure that if you have outstanding obligations. The delays in our permit were because Mayor Manalo favored two other companies and instructed her staff not to accommodate us. If the Ombudsman had no grounds for her dismissal, she wouldn’t have been removed in the first place.”
Meanwhile, Acting Mayor Geronimo Alfiler remains in office, awaiting an official order from the Court of Appeals or the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Acting Mayor Geronimo Alfiler stated:
“If they serve me a court order instructing me to step down and confirming that Mayor Manalo can return to office, I will step down.”
Mayor Manalo’s legal team is anticipating the official order for her reinstatement as the Mayor of Lobo, Batangas, at the earliest possible time.
