Even after losing the May 2025 mayoralty elections, former Cuartero mayor Tito Mayo is barred from holding any public office.
The Office of the Ombudsman has perpetually disqualified Mayo after finding him guilty administratively of violating a section of Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act.
The Ombudsman ordered Mayo dismissed, but it was no longer enforceable when he lost the mayoralty seat to Stephen Openiano.
Mayo is also facing penalties of cancellation of eligibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits.
The Ombudsman ruling stemmed from complaints on the alleged illegal construction and operation of the Gallera de Cuartero cockfighting arena and a funeral home.
The Ombudsman complaint was filed by Fernando Garcia, who was also the complainant who asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cancel the then Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) of Mayo and his allies.
Garcia alleged that the cockfighting arena has been illegally operating. Garcia further alleged that the former mayor was one of its board members. Mayo denied this.
Meanwhile, the former mayor is appealing the Ombudsman’s decision.
In a message sent to The Capiz Times, Mayo said he is submitting his motion for reconsideration this week.
