MANILA, Philippines — Local officials elected in the May 2025 polls who face pending administrative cases from the Office of the Ombudsman can still assume their posts, according to a new advisory from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The department clarified that unless the Ombudsman’s dismissal order is final and executory, the penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office does not apply. The advisory emphasized that dismissal decisions are only immediately executory with respect to the official’s current position—not future ones gained through election.

Officials who have filed Motions for Reconsideration or are pursuing other legal remedies, including temporary restraining orders or injunctions from courts, are not barred from assuming elective office, the DILG added.

Citing Supreme Court decisions such as Pichay v. Commission on Elections and Muñoz v. House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, the advisory reinforced the legal principle that accessory penalties take effect only when the decision has reached finality.

The DILG said it will continue working with the Commission on Elections and the judiciary to ensure uniform application of legal procedures. The guidance has been circulated nationwide to regional and legal offices for proper implementation.