CEBU CITY – An anonymous complainant has filed a case of gross misconduct and nepotism against Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The plaintiff’s claim is similar to the case that led to the dismissal of former mayor Michael Rama, who was removed from office and permanently disqualified from any public office for similar crimes.

In a copy obtained by The Manila Times on Tuesday, the complaint accused Garcia of appointing his wife, Julienne Kate Roska-Garcia, to a role in the Office of the Vice Mayor, where she allegedly performed important duties of supervision.

Plaintiff also alleged that Ms. Garcia reported directly to her husband, managed staff, held meetings and coordinated with various departments, effectively assuming responsibilities that indicated a position of power.

The complaint alleged that Mayor Garcia personally signed her daily time sheets and other HR documents, demonstrating direct supervision of her work.

The complainant said this constituted clear nepotism, prohibited by the Constitution and local government regulations.

The complaint cited Executive Order 292 and the Local Government Code, which prohibit appointments that favor relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity.

The plaintiff said the appointment of Ms. Garcia violated those rules, as she is a first-degree relative of the mayor.

Mayor Garcia said he has not yet received a copy of the complaint. He stressed that without reviewing the document, he could not provide an official statement.

In the case of Cebu City, the City Council has moved to address the controversy surrounding the mayoral transition after Rama’s dismissal.

During a session, Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros gave a privileged speech to clarify his assumption of full-fledged Vice Mayor, which took place on October 11.

He referred to the provision of the Local Government Code that mandates the most senior member of the council to fill any vacancy in the offices of mayor or deputy mayor.

Hontiveros explained that when Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia was sworn in as full mayor on October 9, it created a vacancy in the position of vice mayor, by right.

Accordingly, Hontiveros was sworn in as the new vice mayor following an endorsement from the Department of the Interior and Local Administration (DILG). He also addressed online criticism and calls for his resignation, expressing his willingness to step down if legally required.

The council approved a resolution requesting DILG Region 7 (Central Visayas) to provide documents on the Ombudsman’s decision to dismiss Rama. The move aims to ensure transparency and clarify the basis of recent appointments amid continued public scrutiny.