Court of Appeals Reinstates Borbon Vice Mayor After Overturning Ombudsman's Dismissal
In a significant legal reversal, the Court of Appeals (CA) has reinstated Vice Mayor Noel Dotillos of Borbon town in northern Cebu, overturning a previous decision by the Office of the Ombudsman that had dismissed him from service for alleged grave misconduct. The ruling, released on February 12, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn attention to local government accountability and judicial oversight.
Background of the Case
The controversy centered on two primary allegations against Dotillos. First, during his tenure as mayor in 2019, he authorized the release of more than P500,000 in anniversary bonuses to municipal employees. The Ombudsman had ruled in July 2025 that this disbursement lacked a proper appropriation ordinance, relying only on a Municipal Council resolution, which was deemed insufficient under the Local Government Code. This led to his dismissal, along with penalties including cancellation of civil service eligibility and perpetual disqualification from public office.
Court of Appeals Ruling
However, in an 11-page decision, the CA 20th Division granted Dotillos' petition for review, setting aside the Ombudsman's ruling. The appellate court emphasized that no substantial evidence was presented to show corruption, willful intent to violate the law, or disregard for established rules on Dotillos' part. It stated that he acted in good faith and in honest reliance on the collective will of the Municipal Council, and his actions did not constitute serious misconduct due to the absence of wrongful or malicious intent.
Second Allegation: Contract Hiring
The second charge involved Dotillos hiring his wife, Dr. Corazon Dotillos, under a contract of service (COS) in April 2024 without prior authorization from the Municipal Council, as required by the Local Government Code. While the Ombudsman viewed this as grave misconduct, the CA ruled that a subsequent resolution passed by the Municipal Council on October 7, 2024, effectively ratified his prior lack of authority. The court also found no substantial proof of corruption or willful intent to violate the law in this matter.
Implications and Aftermath
While clearing Dotillos of administrative liability, the CA advised him to be more circumspect and prudent in his official functions and to strictly comply with existing laws and regulations. This ruling comes after Dotillos won the vice mayor's seat in the 2025 elections, with his son, Nico, elected as mayor of Borbon, a town with approximately 40,000 residents. The case highlights ongoing debates about local governance and the balance between administrative oversight and judicial review in the Philippines.
