Mayor Jaime Capil Challenges Ombudsman Ruling in Court of Appeals

Jaime Capil, the local chief executive of Porac, Pampanga, has officially moved to contest his dismissal from government service. Capil filed a motion for reconsideration with the Court of Appeals, seeking to overturn a previous ruling that upheld the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to remove him from office due to gross neglect of duty.

The legal battle stems from Capil’s alleged failure to regulate and monitor the operations of Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) that was the subject of a massive law enforcement raid in mid-2024. Authorities discovered evidence of human trafficking, torture, and various cybercrimes within the facility’s 10-hectare compound.

Allegations of Regulatory Failure and Gross Neglect

According to the Ombudsman’s findings, Capil allowed the POGO hub to operate between 2021 and 2023 despite several red flags. The investigation revealed that the business permits were issued even though the company lacked a Letter of No Objection (LONO) from the municipal council and failed to provide proper Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration.

State prosecutors further alleged that Capil ignored warnings from the Philippine National Police regarding suspicious activities at the site. The Ombudsman concluded that the mayor’s actions—or lack thereof—demonstrated a “conscious failure” to supervise the business entities within his jurisdiction, ultimately leading to his dismissal and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Ongoing Legal Struggles and Political Future

The dismissal has created a complex legal situation for the local government. While Capil was under suspension during the investigation, he successfully ran for re-election in the May 2025 polls. However, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) subsequently voided his victory, citing the Ombudsman’s order of perpetual disqualification.

In addition to the administrative dismissal, Capil faces criminal charges. A Pasig City court recently issued an arrest warrant for seven counts of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Capil maintains his innocence, stating that he intends to exhaust all legal remedies to clear his name and fight for what he describes as “true justice.”

Impact on Porac Local Government

While the Ombudsman dismissed the charges against other local officials—including the Vice Mayor and several councilors—for lack of evidence, the case against Capil remains a focal point in the national crackdown on illegal offshore gaming operations. As the Court of Appeals reviews the motion, the leadership of Porac remains in a state of transition under the oversight of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.