Mayor Jaime Capil Challenges Ombudsman Ruling in Court of Appeals
Mayor Jaime Capil of Porac, Pampanga, has officially moved to challenge a ruling by the Court of Appeals (CA) that upheld his dismissal from government service. The legal battle stems from allegations of gross neglect of duty regarding the regulation of Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) that operated within his jurisdiction.
The Office of the Ombudsman originally ordered Capil’s removal after investigations suggested he failed to properly monitor and intervene in the activities of the POGO hub. Authorities raided the facility in 2024 following reports of human trafficking, cybercrimes, and other illegal activities.
Key Findings and Administrative Penalties
The dismissal order includes severe administrative sanctions, such as the forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of government eligibility, and a perpetual disqualification from holding any public office. The Ombudsman’s decision was based on evidence that Capil issued business permits to the firm from 2021 to 2023 despite various regulatory failures, including the lack of a Letter of No Objection from the municipal council and missing SEC registrations.
In his appeal, Capil maintains his innocence, arguing that the decision lacks finality and that he should be presumed innocent while legal remedies are being pursued. “I believe in true justice. We have legal remedies under the law and I am ready to fight for truth and justice,” Capil stated regarding the proceedings.
Impact on Local Governance and Elections
The legal controversy has created significant ripples in the local political landscape. Despite the dismissal order, Capil proceeded with his reelection bid in the May 2025 midterm elections, where he secured a third consecutive term. However, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division recently issued a disqualification order against him, citing the Ombudsman’s ruling as a bar to holding elective office.
The poll body ruled that allowing a candidate with such administrative sanctions to run would undermine the disciplinary authority of the Ombudsman. Capil has countered this by filing a motion for reconsideration, asserting that his votes should not be considered stray while the case remains under judicial review.
Ongoing Legal Procedures
While the Ombudsman has cleared several other local officials—including the vice mayor and members of the municipal council—of administrative charges due to lack of evidence, the case against Capil remains the focal point of the POGO-related crackdown in Pampanga. The Court of Appeals is expected to review the mayor’s latest petition as he seeks to overturn the dismissal and retain his position as the town’s chief executive.
