The Supreme Court of the Philippines has stepped in to prevent the immediate arrest of former Cebu City Administrator Floro Casas Jr., who is facing serious criminal charges related to his time in office.
Supreme Court Intervention Halts Legal Proceedings
In a significant legal move, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) on December 12, 2025. This order directly stops the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan from moving forward with the two criminal cases filed against Casas. The TRO effectively allows Casas to remain free for the time being, putting a pause on the threat of his arrest.
The court's intervention came after Casas filed an urgent petition for certiorari on November 28, 2025. In his petition, he specifically asked the High Court to issue a TRO to block the proceedings against him at the Sandiganbayan. As a condition for the TRO, the Supreme Court directed Casas to post a bond worth P1 million.
Roots of the Case: A Garbage-Hauling Anomaly
The legal troubles for the former city official stem from allegations of corruption during the previous city administration. The charges of malversation of public funds and graft and corruption were formally filed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
These cases originated from a complaint concerning an alleged anomaly in garbage-hauling contracts at Cebu City Hall. The period under investigation coincides with the administration of the late former mayor Edgardo Labella. Casas was not the only official named in the complaint, which also implicated several other city officials.
What Happens Next?
With the Supreme Court's TRO in place, the legal battle now shifts to a higher judicial arena. The Sandiganbayan is temporarily restrained from acting on the cases while the Supreme Court reviews the merits of Casas's petition. This development marks a crucial turning point, offering Casas a temporary reprieve as he contests the charges through the judicial process. The public and observers now await the next steps from the High Court regarding this high-profile case from Cebu.
