The Supreme Court has affirmed the Commission on Elections decision nullifying the 2022 election victories of Albay Governor Noel Rosal and his wife, Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal.

The SC ruling disqualified the couple from continuing to hold their current positions after they were found guilty “for violating the Omnibus Election Code in relation with the disbursement and release of government funds during the prohibited period before a regular election.”

Losing Legaspi City mayoralty candidate Alfredo Garbin said the SC ruling pave the way for his proclamation as the duly elected chief executive of Albay’s capital.

“I am also grateful for the immediate lifting of the Status Quo Ante Order which would allow me to assume as mayor of Legazpi City,’ he said.

In separate decisions, the Comelec nullified the proclamation of the couple as winners in their respective post following their victories as governor and mayor.

The poll body decisions were release separately in November 2022 and May 2023.

The Rosal couple was accused of distributing financial assistance to tricycle drivers and senior citizens despite the 45-day ban on release of public funds as provided under the Omnibus Election Code.

Then mayor of Legazpi City, Noel allegedly approved the release of funds notwithstanding the absence of spending ban exemption from the Comelec.

Governor Rosal and his wife filed their certificates of candidacy to run in the same posts in the 2025 local elections.