Albay Governor Noel Rosal has publicly challenged the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) decision disqualifying him from seeking reelection in the May 2025 elections, asserting that he has already served a suspension and remains eligible to run.

In an interview on a local radio program, Rosal expressed confusion and frustration over the ruling.

“Hindi ko alam yung galit sa akin,” he said, adding, “Pag governor ka ibig sabihin baba ka muna.”

(“I don’t understand the anger toward me,” he said, adding, “When you’re a governor, it means you have to step down first.”)

Rosal maintained that his case before the Office of the Ombudsman was downgraded in June 2024 from a dismissal to a suspension—which he has already served. Because of this, he argued, there should be no clause barring him from holding public office.

He filed a Motion for Reconsideration (MR) en banc on Monday and noted that the COMELEC gave him only five days to appeal. “I remain hopeful that the truth will prevail,” Rosal said, referring to a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court, which he described as “indefinite.”

Rosal also hinted at political motives behind his disqualification. He said the dismissal originated from someone affected by illegal businesses he had shut down, though he did not disclose names.

“Pero alam ng Albayanos diyan, hindi tayo papatinag,” he said.

(“But the people of Albay know we will not back down.”)

“This is for the right of suffrage for the people of Albay.”

COMELEC and Ombudsman rulings

Official records, however, show a different scenario:

The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Rosal from office in June 2024 for grave misconduct, which carries perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

The COMELEC Second Division canceled his Certificate of Candidacy (COC), citing misrepresentation and eligibility concerns.

The COMELEC en banc affirmed his disqualification, referencing Section 40(b) of the Local Government Code, which bars individuals removed from office via administrative cases from running for local elective positions.

Rosal’s appeal centers on his claim that the penalty was reduced to a suspension, and thus he should remain eligible. The indefinite TRO, he said, allowed him to file a COC. He also emphasized that the case is no longer an election offense and questioned COMELEC’s involvement.

What’s next

With his appeals pending and conflicting interpretations of his eligibility, Rosal’s candidacy remains uncertain. The COMELEC law department is expected to review the matter further.

As legal proceedings continue, voters in Albay are left weighing the governor’s statements against official rulings, with the outcome likely shaping the region’s political landscape in the 2025 elections.