Philippines Ombudsman suspends Rosario, Cavite mayor for up to six months over alleged casino gambling

The Philippines' Office of the Ombudsman has ordered Rosario, Cavite Mayor Jose Voltaire V. Ricafrente suspended without pay for up to six months while it hears administrative charges that he gambled at a casino, a conduct ban that applies to all government officials and employees.

The Ombudsman announced the six-page order in a press release dated November 12, 2026. The charges, Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, were filed by the Ombudsman's own Field Investigation Office I.

According to the release, investigators found that Ricafrente entered a casino at a hotel in Bacolod City on March 14, 2026, accompanied by four people. He allegedly played at a gaming table with PHP 30,000 worth of chips, won PHP 10,000 and left shortly afterwards.

The order found "strong evidence showing his guilt" and said the charges "may warrant his removal from the service." The Ombudsman also said Ricafrente's continued stay in office could prejudice the investigation because of his access to government records and possible influence over witnesses. The order stated that preventive suspension "does not amount to a prejudgment of the merits of the case."

The suspension is immediately executory and lasts until the case is resolved, but no longer than six months. The Department of the Interior and Local Government, under Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" C. Remulla, was given a copy to implement and must submit proof of compliance.

The casino ban the order cites

The Ombudsman cited Memorandum Circular No. 6, series of 2016, approved on September 20, 2016. The circular says "the mere entry or presence" of a government official or employee in a casino is conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, unless it is part of official duties. It orders heads of agencies, government corporations and local governments to impose sanctions for violations, and tells the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) management to ensure compliance. It builds on the PAGCOR charter, Presidential Decree No. 1869, which bars government officials connected directly with government operations from playing in casinos.

In October the Ombudsman separately suspended a former Cebu City acting mayor over cockfighting derbies held at a casino resort; see Philippines Ombudsman suspends ex-Cebu mayor Garcia over casino cockfighting.