Nava to block Mabilog’s candidacy, preps DQ case

Former Iloilo City Councilor Plaridel Nava declared that former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog cannot run for any position after he was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman with accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification for public office.

In a Facebook post, Nava said he went to the Office of the Ombudsman in Cebu City to secure a certified copy of the perpetual disqualification order against Mabilog in the corruption case filed against him for allegedly interfering in the awarding of a towing services contract in which he had a vested interest.

He shared that both the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court First Division denied Mabilog’s appeal, saying the former Mayor used the wrong remedy of a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 instead of the proper remedy of an appeal via petition for review under Rule 43.

In addition, Mabilog had already lost the right to appeal since the assailed Decision has become immutable and unalternable because he filed his motion for reconsideration beyond the reglementary period of ten (10) days as provided under Section 8, Rule III of the Rules of Procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Nava also pointed out that Mabilog has likewise lost the right to appeal the assailed Decision due to the fact that no appeal under Rule 43 was taken within the period of fifteen days from notice.

This decision prohibits Mabilog by law from running or holding any public or government office unless he secures a presidential absolute pardon, Nava insisted.

Nava has secured copies of the said documents as part of his preparation for a disqualification case against Mabilog in case he submits a certificate of candidacy (COC) for any position next week.

During his appearance before the House Quad Committee, Mabilog claimed he was forced to abandon his constituents in 2017 and spent seven years abroad after being implicated in drug-related issues by Duterte.

Despite Mabilog’s claim that he’s not involved in illegal drugs, his legal troubles continue as the Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to investigate his connections to the drug trade.

Mabilog was earlier perpetually disqualified by the Office of the Ombudsman for “serious dishonesty” linked to unexplained wealth and a corresponding certificate of finality.

The decision was however reversed by the Court of Appeals. The Ombudsman’s appeal is currently pending before the Supreme Court.