CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede expressed that he would not be surprised if suspension threats arise, especially with the case against him and dismissed Mayor Jonas Cortes already docketed.
“Kung maabot man gali gyud, di na ko ma surprise,” Bercede told reporters during a forum yesterday, December 13.
Bercede revealed that two weeks ago, criminal and administrative complaints against him and Cortes, filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, were docketed.
The complaints were filed by Mandaue City residents Karina Labos of Barangay Pagsabungan and Lea May Miñoza of Barangay Lower Tabok.
Last September 17, Labos and Miñoza lodged cases of usurpation and grave misconduct against the two officials.
During the forum, Bercede suggested that someone else was behind the residents’ complaints.
“Sigurado naay nagpaluyo,” said Bercede.
He alleged that their political opponents, Mandaue Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon and Provincial Board Member Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano, were backing the residents. The latter is set to run for city mayor in the 2025 midterm elections.
Mandaue City Administrator Atty. Jamaal James Calipayan stated that with the case being docketed, Mayor Bercede’s external legal counsel has already submitted a manifestation to the Ombudsman in response to the complaint.
Assistant to the City Mayor, Atty. Miguel Lumapas, echoed Calipayan’s sentiments, describing the complaints as harassment meant to impede their ability to perform their duties.
“Para namo, mabaw ni siya. We hope the Ombudsman will act accordingly, consider the facts, and also rule accordingly sa kaning complaint nga gipasaka nila against kanato,” said Lumapas.
Meanwhile, Mandaue City Budget Officer Giovanni Tianero clarified that no suspension order or preventive suspension order has been issued against Mayor Bercede. However, they are preparing for the worst-case scenario as the complaint seeks such an order.
Regarding their legal remedy, aside from the manifestation, they are awaiting further action from the Office of the Ombudsman.
To recall, Labos and Miñoza alleged that Cortes continued to act as mayor, making public appearances and signing documents, more than a month after receiving a suspension order from the Ombudsman.
They claim that Bercede allowed Cortes to commit these acts.
The complaint also seeks Bercede’s preventive suspension and Cortes’ dismissal from service, along with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
However, Calipayan clarified that when the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) served the suspension order to Cortes, no implementation order was issued. He added that Cortes voluntarily stepped down to comply with the suspension order.
“Kana palang daan, how could there be a violation of the suspension order when he, in fact, manifested his own pag volunteer na mu serve siya,” said Calipayan.
On August 24, Bercede received a message from the DILG via social media notifying him that he could assume the role of Acting Mayor. Calipayan said Cortes chose to step down to avoid putting Bercede in a difficult position.
“So, how could there be a violation of the suspension order?” he added.
Tianero explained that a suspension order must be accompanied by an implementation order, which was absent in this case. Lumapas described the situation as a “trap,” citing irregularities in the orders for Cortes’ suspension and Bercede’s assumption of office.
“Mora tag gi trap. Mahitabo ang sitwasyon—Mayor Jonas will still sit as mayor kay wa siyay implementation order, and then ma assume si then Vice Mayor Glenn, adto ta sila ma usurpation,” said Lumapas.
He noted that they were mindful of the situation and avoided falling into the alleged trap.
Lumapas emphasized that there was no usurpation, as Cortes stepped down, and Bercede merely assumed a vacant post.
“I think nawagtangan og bala ang atoang political opponents, but naa naman sa plano nga ang next step mu file og usurpation, so gi file nalang bahalag huyang ang bala,” he said.
Ouano-Dizon’s Response
When asked for her comment, Ouano-Dizon said it is common for them to be blamed whenever cases are filed.
“Naanad naman mi ana. Basta ma filan or madutlan sila ug kaso, kami pasanginlan. Pero, kato na-dismiss ang usa nilang kaso sa Ombudsman og naka-TRO sila sa Supreme Court, walay hisgot… kay it proves nga our Ombudsman and Courts are fair and will only decide based on the merits.”
The congresswoman added that if the administration has done nothing wrong, they have nothing to fear.
“Kung wala silay sala, walay angay kahadlukan. Ug naa man gani, wala sila angay basolon kung dili ilang kaugalingon. Let us be man enough to accept accountability,” Ouano-Dizon said.