The Supreme Court of the Philippines has intervened in a high-profile graft case, issuing a legal order that temporarily stops the trial of a former Cebu City official. This move puts a significant corruption investigation on hold while the High Court conducts its own review.
Legal Halt: The TRO and Its Implications
On December 12, 2025, the Supreme Court's First Division granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) requested by former Cebu City administrator Floro Casas Jr. This order immediately suspends all proceedings in the Sandiganbayan related to graft and malversation charges filed against him. The Court acted on an urgent, ex parte petition from Casas, who is questioning the basis of the charges.
The core of the legal dispute lies in whether the Office of the Ombudsman committed "grave abuse of discretion" when it found probable cause to charge Casas. The Supreme Court stated it found sufficient basis to halt the lower court's trial while it examines this question. As a condition for the TRO, Casas was required to post a P1-million bond, as mandated by court rules. The order was issued under the authority of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.
In a clarification to media, Casas emphasized that no arrest warrant was issued against him. "Thus, it is inaccurate to say that the TRO stopped my arrest. What the TRO stopped is not my arrest but the proceedings before the Sandiganbayan," he explained in a text message. The former administrator, who is also a lawyer, expressed hope that the Supreme Court would ultimately annul the Ombudsman's resolution.
The P239.7 Million Garbage Contract Anomaly
The case stems from a controversial garbage-hauling contract in Cebu City. In August 2021, then-Vice Mayor Michael Rama and the City Council launched an investigation into a P239.7-million deal with Docast/JJ&J Construction & General Supply. The probe was triggered by allegations of overbilling and document falsification.
The Office of the Ombudsman, after its own investigation, concluded that Casas and other city officials conspired with private entities to cause an overpayment of P239,728,280.62. The alleged scheme involved the contractor billing the city P1,800 per ton for garbage hauled by government trucks, when the agreed tipping fee for such deliveries should have only been P600 per ton.
Based on data from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Ombudsman found probable cause to file charges. In a resolution dated February 4, 2025, it recommended charging Casas and several others with one count of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and one count of malversation of public funds. The plunder complaint was dropped, but the officials were dismissed from public service.
Casas's Defense and the Supreme Court's Next Steps
In his petition to the Supreme Court, Floro Casas Jr. mounted a vigorous defense. He argued that the Ombudsman's findings were built on "incomplete, unreliable data and erroneous computations." He maintains that no overpayment actually occurred. Casas, who served as city administrator until Mayor Edgardo Labella's death in November 2021, stated he acted in good faith.
His defense centers on his administrative role, claiming he merely signed disbursement vouchers and checks that already carried certifications of completion and accuracy from subordinate offices and other departments. He asserts that the Ombudsman's denial of his motion for reconsideration violated his right to due process.
The Supreme Court has now directed several respondents to comment on the petition within 10 days. These respondents include newly-appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, Deputy Ombudsman Dante Vargas, and Assistant Ombudsman Gaudioso Melendez. The High Court's forthcoming review will determine if the TRO becomes a permanent injunction or if the Sandiganbayan trial will proceed.
Other former Cebu City officials charged in the case are: John Jigo Gaston Dacua, Grace Luardo-Silva, Allen Omlero Ceballos, Romelito Asinjo Datan, Mario Abarquez Ugbinar, Jerome Visarra Ornopia, and Mare Vae Fernandez Reyes. The Supreme Court's decision will have major implications for this long-running case concerning one of Cebu's largest alleged corruption scandals.
