The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the preventive suspension of Rosario, Cavite Mayor Jose Voltaire V. Ricafrente for up to six months over alleged gambling activities at a casino in Bacolod City.
In a six-page order dated November 12, 2026, the Ombudsman directed Ricafrente's suspension without pay pending the resolution of administrative charges of Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.
The investigation found that Ricafrente allegedly entered a casino on March 14, 2026, accompanied by four individuals, and played at a gaming table using ₱30,000 worth of casino chips, winning ₱10,000.
The Ombudsman cited a government policy prohibiting public officials and employees from entering or gambling in casinos, as well as concerns that the mayor's continued stay in office could affect the investigation.
“This Office finds sufficient grounds for the issuance of an Order for Preventive Suspension against respondent Municipal Mayor JOSE VOLTAIRE V. RICAFRENTE... considering that there is strong evidence showing his guilt,” the order stated.
However, the Ombudsman clarified that the preventive suspension does not constitute a finding of administrative liability or a penalty.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), headed by Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla, was furnished a copy of the order for implementation.
