Bercede: Politics behind Mayor Cortes’ suspension

CEBU, Philippines — As he takes the helm of the Mandaue City government, acting Mayor Glenn Bercede said “politics” is behind the one-year suspension of Mayor Jonas Cortes.

“Naa gyud ni pulitika behind. Pulitika gyud ni kay as early as June ang mga troll sa kaatbang nagsigi na man ni og sulti nag masuspenso gyud si mayor. Kahibalo na sila daan ba,” said Bercede, who has been a long-time ally of Cortes.

There was no mention of names, but the Ouanos, headed by Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, have reportedly been preparing for the May 2025 election. Ouano-Dizon’s younger brother, outgoing Cebu Provincial Board Member Jonkie Ouano, will reportedly run for mayor against Cortes.

On his first day as the city’s acting mayor, Bercede stressed in his speech during the National Heroes’ Day celebration that he will stand firm with Mayor Cortes in these trying times.

Bercede said that Cortes’ love for Mandaue is unquestionable, and the latter’s dedication to the welfare of the people is unwavering.

Bercede assumed as acting mayor after he received a memorandum from Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for him to immediately succeed Cortes, who has been ordered suspended for one year without pay after being found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service by the Office of the Ombudsman.

DILG-7 regional director Leocardio Trovela in his August 24, 2024 memorandum addressed to Bercede, said that there is even no need to issue an implementation order on the effectivity of the suspension against Cortes as the vice mayor should automatically assume as acting mayor based on the rule of automatic succession.

In his speech, Bercede urged residents of Mandaue to continue to move forward, “guided by the values of courage, resilience, and service, as well as recognize that in their collective efforts, they too are heroes, each playing our part in shaping the destiny of the city.”

Bercede stressed that he will still continue to implement the programs and projects left behind by Cortes.

“Ipadayon gihapon na nako kay kaabag man ta dili mobabag,” Bercede said.

With Bercede’s assumption as acting mayor, Mandaue City’s number one councilor Nerissa Soon-Ruiz should assume as acting vice mayor.

“Pero wala pa ko ni assume,” said Soon-Ruiz, during the regular session of the City Council which she presided over. “Magpaabot pa ko sa order sa Secretary sa DILG. Basin ugma moaabot na to,” she added.

Soon-Ruiz said that once she assumes as acting vice mayor, she hopes that Bercede will hold office at the Office of the Mayor so that she can use the Office of the Vice Mayor.

“Pero mag agad ra ko niya (Bercede) kay ang ako-ang opisina, cubicle ra baya na. Dili sad ta mamugos nga mobalhin gyud ko sa Office of the Vice Mayor,” said Soon-Ruiz, who is an ally of the Ouanos. — (FREEMAN)