Manila: The Court of Appeals (CA) has reduced the administrative penalties previously imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman on former Albay governor Noel Rosal and his wife, Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal. The penalties were related to the unauthorized reassignment of provincial department heads in 2022.

According to Philippines News Agency, the CA's 15th division, led by Associate Justice Germano Legaspi, partially granted the Rosals' petition and adjusted the Ombudsman's ruling. In its 15-page decision dated May 30, the court found Noel Rosal guilty of simple misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, resulting in a one-year suspension from service. Meanwhile, Carmen Geraldine Rosal was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and received a nine-month suspension.

Originally, the Ombudsman had found Noel guilty of grave misconduct, oppression, and two counts of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, recommending dismissal from service. Carmen had been found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, with a one-year suspension.

The case originated from a complaint regarding a series of office orders issued by Noel Rosal in mid-2022. These orders allegedly violated civil service and procurement laws by reassigning senior officials in the Albay provincial government. The CA noted that there was no sufficient evidence to prove Noel's actions were motivated by corrupt interests or intended to violate established rules. The court also found no evidence of excessive authority or harm inflicted on the reassigned officials.

The decision, which reflects the court's consensus, was concurred by Associate Justices Alfonso Cruz and Mary Josephine Lazaro.