Gov. Garcia steps into rift between Mandaue officials

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has asked Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna to “set aside party lines” as she is looking forward to a harmonious relationship during their meeting at the Capitol Tuesday evening.

It was the first time that Garcia intervened in the differences between Cortes and Fortuna. The two belong to different political camps, but supported one governor in the 2007 elections.

As a result, they have differing stands on various issues confronting the city – one of which is the demolition of the park in front of the Mandaue City Hall. The move prompted Fortuna and the council to react strongly against it. The latest issue erupted when Cortes vetoed at least 10 ordinances passed by the council. 

The council is dominated by councilors belonging to the camp of then mayor Thadeo Ouano, whose son Jonkie lost to Cortes in last year’s elections.

“I asked them if they can find a common ground,” Garcia said, adding that she takes the initiative in bringing them together considering that it was in Mandaue City where she got a huge number of votes among the cities in the province during her first and second terms as governor.

“I felt I will be remiss of my duty if I will not try and reach out to both of them. If the two will come to terms in certain common ground, then that will not be for the good of me, but for the good of the Mandauehanons,” Garcia said.

She added that she wants Cortes and Fortuna to “set aside their political differences as the next election is yet far away.”

Garcia hopes that Cortes and Fortuna will “have each other to build again a measure of trust.” — Garry B. Lao/MEEV