Dismissed Laguna town mayor to appeal Ombudsman ruling over Christmas party solicitation

MANILA — Dismissed Luisiana, Laguna Mayor Jomapher Uy Alvarez said he would appeal the Ombudsman’s decision removing him from office after finding him liable for grave misconduct over the solicitation of P11,000 for a municipal employees’ Christmas party.

Alvarez said he would file a motion for reconsideration.

“Haharapin ko ang kasong ito sa pamamagitan ng mga legal na pamamaraan, iginagalang ko ang proseso at gagamitin ko ang mga karapatang ipinagkakaloob upang ipagtanggol ang aking sarili,” the dismissed mayor said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) served the Ombudsman’s dismissal order against Alvarez on Monday afternoon.

Vice Mayor Jonieces Acaylar has automatically assumed the post of mayor of Luisiana.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by former Mayor Ernesto Rondilla on Dec. 11, 2024.

Municipal employees had reportedly sought Alvarez’s permission to solicit funds for their year-end Christmas party in December 2024. Alvarez allegedly approved the request by signing a solicitation letter.

The employees collected a total of P11,000, which was used for raffle prizes during the event. Alvarez, however, denied misappropriating public funds.

“Ang mga kontribusyon ay inilaan para sa mga premyo sa raffle ng mga empleyado, ang mga ito ay pinagsama-sama sa pamamagitan ng komiteng nakatalaga para sa aktibidad at hindi para sa aking personal na kapakinabangan,” Alvarez said.

“Wala akong kinamkam na kontribusyon para sa aking sarili, walang pondo ng bayan na ginamit para sa mga nasabing premyo, hindi po ako ang personal na tumukoy kung sino ang bibigyan ng mga liham,” he added.

Alvarez maintained that the cases filed against him were part of a political demolition campaign, noting that it was the sixth case brought against him.

He also urged his supporters to remain calm and await the outcome of his appeal.