THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has affirmed the disqualification of former Albay governor Noel Rosal from running in the May 2025 polls.
In its decision, the Comelec en banc denied the Motion for Reconsideration (MR) filed by Rosal and affirmed the earlier ruling of the Second Division to cancel his certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor of Albay.
“The Commission en banc found no merit in the arguments raised by Noel Rosal in his Motion for Reconsideration, which is a mere rehash of the same arguments and positions already raised and discussed,” said the Comelec.
The poll body said the Second Division was able to discuss extensively the factual grounds to disqualify Rosal under Section 40 (b) of the Local Government Code, which refers to those removed from office as a result of an administrative case.
“We agree with the discussion of the Commission (Second Division) that there are factual grounds to disqualify respondent Rosal under Section 40 (b) of the Local Government Code,” said the Comelec en banc.
To recall, Rosal was elected governor of Albay back in the May 2022 polls but was dismissed from service by the Office of the Ombudsman in June 2024 after he was found guilty of grave misconduct, oppression, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The order of dismissal from service carried the penalties of perpetual disqualification to hold public office and cancellation of eligibility and were immediately executory.
Last October 2024, Rosal filed his COC to again run for Albay governor in the May 2025 elections.
The disqualification of Rosal leaves Rep. Joey Salceda and Rosaler Sara as candidates for Albay governor in the coming elections.
