CEBU, Philippines — Former Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and his slate celebrated the latest development in his bid for re-election after the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
In a press conference on Tuesday, January 21, Cortes' legal counsel, Atty. Joshua Monsanto of Rama Baena Tan & Ang (RBTA) Law Offices, announced that the TRO guarantees Cortes' inclusion in the official list of candidates for the Mandaue City mayoralty race.
“Once the Comelec commences the reprinting of the ballots, the name of Mayor Cortes will be back,” Monsanto said.
“This also means that Mayor Cortes is back in the electoral race for the mayoralty position in Mandaue City for the 2025 national and local elections,” he added.
The announcement was bolstered when, during the press conference, a court sheriff delivered the Supreme Court resolution and the TRO at exactly 11:48 AM, reinforcing the legality of the development.
Monsanto highlighted the significance of the decision: “This is a victory not only for Mayor Cortes and Mandauehanons but for every registered voter in the country. The right to vote, the right to be voted upon, and the right to participate in the electoral process remain sacrosanct to this day.”
Atty. Joselito Thomas Baena, also from the RBTA Law Offices, clarified the scope of the TRO. Effective immediately upon receipt, the TRO prevents Comelec from removing Cortes’ name from the ballot.
“The TRO remains effective until lifted by the Supreme Court,” Baena explained. He added that Comelec and private respondent Atty. Ervin E. Estandarte are required to submit their comments on Cortes’ petition within 15 days, as part of the due process surrounding the cancellation of Cortes’ Certificate of Candidacy.
Baena assured the public, especially the supporters of Cortes, that this procedural aspect will not affect the TRO’s validity.
“Ang effectivity sa TRO is not dependent on the 15 days to comment,” he said.
Grateful for the Supreme Court’s decision, Cortes called the TRO an affirmation of justice and democracy.
“The issuance of the TRO is truly an affirmation that the Supreme Court is a bastion of democracy, ensuring fairness and justice in this crucial time,” he said.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Cortes shared the emotional toll of the situation.
“Sa tinud-anay lang akong gibati, kulba-hinam, grabe wa ko kasabot sa akong gibati. But again, I trusted everything to the Lord,” he said, acknowledging that he surrendered his worries to God.
Cortes expressed happiness over the “initial victory” but acknowledged that the road ahead remains long.
“Obtaining the TRO is just the start. We will respect the process and continue to fight for justice,” he added.
Cortes’ running mate, Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede, was elated by the development, emphasizing the importance of the electoral process.
“Dako kaayo nakong kalipay nga naay right to suffrage nga ang Mandauehanon mupili kung kinsay angayan nga mulingkod sa syudad sa Mandaue,” Bercede said.
Former City Treasurer Regal Oliva, now running for a congressional seat, described the TRO as a “small victory.”
“The war for the elections continues, but at least we are assured that our general is back,” she added.
Cortes and his slate, Team Mandaue, expressed their gratitude through a thanksgiving mass at the National Shrine of St. Joseph, followed by a prayer rally at the Mandaue City Heritage Plaza last night.
The team also revealed they had relied on prayers and completed a Novena for Señor Sto. Niño for guidance.
“We relied on our faith and stayed strong despite the adversities,” Cortes said, pledging to continue working for the people of Mandaue City. — (FREEMAN)