Cortes going to SC

CEBU, Philippines — Despite the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc decision denying his motion for reconsideration, dismissed Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes remains hopeful and plans to seek intervention from the Supreme Court (SC).

He said he will bring the matter first thing on Jan. 2, the first working day of 2024, as his final effort to reverse the cancellation of his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) and his disqualification from the 2025 midterm elections.

Last Dec. 27, the Comelec en banc denied Cortes' appeal against the Comelec Second Division’s Dec. 18 decision to cancel his COC for “material and false representation.”

The en banc ruling sustained the Second Division’s decision, which would result to Cortes’ exclusion as candidate for Mandaue City mayor.

“We find no cogent reason to depart from the Assailed Resolution of the Commission (Second Division),” read a portion of the en banc decision penned by Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia and Comelec commissioners Marlon S. Cosquejo, Rey E. Bulay and Nelson J. Celis, Ernesto Ferdinand P. Macedan Jr., Aimee P. Ferolino, and Socorro B. Inting.

The commissioners were convinced that Cortes not mentioning in his COC that he was ordered dismissed from service by the Office of the Ombudsman was “deliberate,” as there are specific fields which give Cortes the opportunity to disclose that fact.

On Friday night, just hours after the electoral body announced its decision denying Cortes’ motion, Cortes issued an official statement on his social media page urging his supporters to "keep the faith."

“Sa akong mga loyal supporters, nasayud kita nga layu pa kaayo og abtan ang atong pakigbisog,” he said.

Cortes said that the recent decision by the Comelec pushes him more to pursue fairness and justice.

He said he would exhaust all means and bring the matter to the SC to ensure justice is achieved and the voices of the people seeking fair and just laws are heard.

“Akong ipasalig nga pabilin akong magpakatakus sa serbisyo aron panalipdan ang katungod sa katawhan ug sa Mandaue City,” he said.

Cortes also thanked his supporters for their unwavering support that has given him the strength to continue fighting against the challenges and “persecutions” he is facing.

He likewise told his supporters to remain strong, united, and “continue to stand together in pursuing all actions in accordance with the proper laws and justice.”

Cortes assured his supporters that the Comelec's recent decision is not the end of their fight for justice but the beginning of their battle in seeking the truth and fair justice.

“Salamat sa inyong padayon nga pagbarug ug pagkuyog kanako. Together, we will overcome this challenge,” he said.

Mandaue City’s Public Information Office Head Karla Victoria Cortes confirmed they have received a copy of the decision on Friday before the clock hit 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, Mandaue City Administrator Jamaal James Calipayan said that Cortes was prepared to accept the decision. In fact, they have prepared a contingency plan even before the ruling came out.

According to Calipayan, they would seek for a temporary restraining order (TRO) before the SC and other legal remedies.

Calipayan said their prayer to the highest court is to recognize the urgency of their request for a TRO or any other remedy they may seek. — (FREEMAN)