Vergara filed a motion for reconsideration, saying the suspension cannot be enforced as it runs counter to the established doctrine of condonation since he was reelected as mayor on May 10, 2010. The CA subsequently reduced the penalty to just a reprimand as there was no reason to reverse the Ombudsman’s findings. It held that Vergara may no longer be held administratively liable for misconduct committed during his previous term. The ruling prompted the anti-graft office to elevated the case to the SC. It is inconsequential whether the said r-election be on another public office or on an election year that is not immediately succeeding the last, as long as the electorate that reelected the public official be the same,” the SC said.

Source: Manila Times February 11, 2018 19:07 UTC