Comelec disqualifies Noel Rosal from gubernatorial race

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified former Albay Governor Noel Rosal from running for governor in the upcoming May 2025 elections.

Rosal was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman in December 2022 for violating the Local Government Code, and Josefino Valenzuela Dioquino filed a petition against his candidacy on October 10.

In its decision dated Friday, December 27, Comelec cited Section 40(b) of the LGC, which disqualifies individuals removed from office due to an administrative case.

Despite filing his certificate of candidacy in October, Rosal is now disqualified due to the Ombudsman's decision that found him guilty of grave misconduct and oppression.

The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against Comelec's orders barring Rosal from running, but Comelec noted legal and factual basis for disqualification based on the petition filed.