CEBU, Philippines — The camp of Mandaue City former mayor Jonas Cortes has expressed optimism after the Supreme Court (SC) issued Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) favoring five candidates disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
In its first en banc session for 2025 last Tuesday, January 14, the SC allowed the five candidates to pursue their bids in the upcoming national and local elections.
Mandaue City Administrator Atty. Jamaal James Calipayan said this development gives their camp hope as they await the resolution of their own appeal before the SC.
“We are still optimistic. Basin og daghan lang gud pud og nakauna nato og file og TRO. Of course sa calendar nila, unahon jud nila, chronologically,” Calipayan said.
He added that they have yet to receive official notice regarding their case, whether the TRO was granted, denied, or even discussed during the en banc session.
While acknowledging the urgency of time, Calipayan remained confident that the court would act swiftly.
“Time is the essence but still we are hopeful nga maapil ta… kung wala man gud gani ta naapil this week kay wala special en banc session this week, then maybe next week,” he noted.
In light of the SC’s decision, Comelec has temporarily stopped printing the 73 million official ballots for the May 12 elections. The electoral body is also revising its candidate database, including updates to the Election Management System (EMS), Automated Counting Machine, and Consolidation and Canvassing System.
Despite these adjustments, Calipayan expressed confidence in the SC’s commitment to ensuring clean and honest elections.
“This development brings encouragement to our camp, knowing that the High Court listens intently and carefully considers the arguments presented,” a statement from Cortes’ camp read.
Addressing rumors of notary issues
Calipayan also addressed rumors circulating online about alleged technical issues in their petition, particularly the use of an expired notary stamp. He clarified that the stamp was valid at the time of filing.
“Dili na tinood oy, walay expired nga notaryo ana atoang nga pleading oy,” he said.
He explained that notaries typically renew their stamps in January, a process that involves obtaining a Professional Tax Receipt (PTR) and a Notarial Commission number from the local government unit (LGU).
Calipayan emphasized that minor technicalities, such as a slightly outdated stamp, would not override the merits of their case.
“Ang Supreme Court di sad na siya mo deritso og dismiss, pero mopadala ranag compliance kay what if naka renew diay ang abogado pero naka renew diay unya wala lang nabag-o iyang stamp,” he said.
He added, “If ever contentious kaayo ang issue, they will always decide based on the merits, not based on technicalities.”
Cortes filed a petition for certiorari on January 2, 2025, challenging the Comelec’s decision to cancel his Certificate of Candidacy (COC).
Calipayan believes that the SC’s issuance of TROs to other candidates is a positive sign for their case.
“Di pa tapos ang laban,” Calipayan said.
Their camp remains hopeful that the High Court will rule favorably, ensuring their participation in the upcoming elections. — /FPL (FREEMAN)