Former Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia is questioning the Ombudsman’s ruling that held him administratively liable over international cockfighting derbies at NUSTAR Resort and Casino, maintaining that his conditional letter of no objection did not constitute a permit to hold the events.
Garcia said his April 2024 response to a promoter seeking approval for an international cockfighting derby expressly required organizers to comply with existing laws and secure the necessary clearances before proceeding.
The Office of the Ombudsman, however, found him liable for Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, ruling that his failure to object effectively allowed the derbies to proceed at a venue that was not an authorized cockpit arena.
During a forum on Thursday, Nov. 12, Garcia said he had filed a Motion for Reconsideration, arguing that the Ombudsman had interpreted his letter beyond its intended purpose.
“The question is whether a letter of no objection, which is merely a letter, can be considered a final authority or final permit to conduct a cockfighting activity,” he said.
Garcia explained that he responded to the promoter’s inquiry because his office was required to address communications under the Anti-Red Tape Act.
He said his letter specifically required organizers to secure a City Council resolution, authorization from the appropriate gamefowl regulatory body and police clearance, among other legal requirements.
He added that the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) also required compliance with these conditions before issuing the necessary permit.
Garcia disputed the Ombudsman’s conclusion that his letter effectively authorized the international derby.
He also defended his handling of the event, saying he ordered the organizers to explain themselves after learning that a cockfighting activity had proceeded during his administration despite incomplete requirements.
He said this demonstrated that he acted in good faith rather than arbitrarily allowing the event to take place.
Garcia also questioned why he was held liable when similar international derbies allegedly took place twice under the incumbent administration, in February and June.
“If I am liable, then the current administration should also be liable,” he said, questioning whether the same standard was being applied.
The Ombudsman’s ruling carries a fine equivalent to six months of Garcia’s basic salary. Since he is no longer in public office, the amount will instead be deducted from his retirement benefits or accrued leave credits.
Garcia said his separation from office spared him from serving the six-month suspension, adding that he was relieved the ruling did not impose perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
“Fortunately, I am no longer in office. We will just pay the fine,” he said.
The case stemmed from international cockfighting derbies held at NUSTAR’s convention center in May and August 2024, when Garcia was serving as acting mayor.
The Ombudsman ruled that the events took place outside venues permitted under Presidential Decree No. 449, or the Cockfighting Law of 1974.
Garcia said he would await the Ombudsman’s action on his Motion for Reconsideration.
Comments