Former mayor not rejoining PDP-laban: I’m still with One Cebu - Cortes

CEBU, Philippines — Former Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes clarified that he has not rejoined the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) but was merely endorsed by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as the mayoral candidate for the city.

In an interview with the media yesterday, February 17, 2025, Cortes reiterated that he remains with One Cebu, the dominant political party in Cebu Province, led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

This after Cortes, along with his full slate, was seen attending the political rally of PDP-Laban in Manila, wherein Duterte raised Cortes' hand.

Cortes mentioned that he sought permission from Governor Garcia before accepting Duterte’s endorsement.

“Akong sa’ng gipaabot ni Governor Gwen ang maong endorsement. Wala man siya’y problema, padayon man ang iyang support,” he said.

Cortes said that the endorsement from Duterte and the support from Garcia reflect their recognition of his leadership and dedication to serving the people of Mandaue.

“Klaro kaayo ug tataw nga purely endorsement. Ang kato nga activity dili lang kay solely proclamation sa PDP senatoriables, apil na ang endorsements sa mga kandidato nga gipaluyohan ni former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte sa nagkalahi-lahing probinsya, syudad, ug lungsod,” he explained.

Cortes also emphasized that Duterte did not ask their party, Team Mandaue, for anything in return.

The former mayor said that he has only made a “personal commitment” to support former President Duterte’s senatorial candidates.

Cortes is open to endorsing Duterte’s Senate bets, noting that they have helped Mandaue City, and some of them have become his friends, with their relationship going beyond politics.

“Dili ko mubalibad o mutalikod og mga tao nga akong mga amigo,” said Cortes.

In addition, Cortes said that he is grateful to Duterte that despite his political setbacks, the former

President chose him to be his mayoral bet in Mandaue City.

“I am truly grateful especially sa panghitabo,” said Cortes.

He believes that the endorsement of former President Duterte will help and boost his mayoral candidacy in the upcoming midterm elections.

Cortes also added that he is grateful to Governor Garcia for her support and for never wavering in giving her trust to him and his slate, Team Mandaue.

Further, Team Mandaue’s congressional bet, former city treasurer Atty. Regal Oliva, clarified that Governor Garcia will remain their governor.

“Team Mandaue still is endorsing and carrying Governor Gwen Garcia as our official governor for Mandaue City,” said Oliva.

Oliva likewise stated that they were not asked for anything in return for Duterte’s endorsement.

“We’ve been under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte for six years, he has never asked anything in return when it comes to political endorsements,” said Oliva.

“He just believes on the leaders that will lead locally in the different local government units and that is why he endorsed us, nothing in return,” the former city treasurer added.

The congressional aspirant added they are not PDP-Laban candidates but rather “Duterte candidates.”

Oliva also said that attending PDP-Laban’s proclamation rally was a “team decision.”

The former treasurer also revealed that when Cortes brought the plan to the table, some members of Team Mandaue were apprehensive about joining the event, as some belonged to other parties.

Other parties, such as Aksyon Demokratiko, the Liberal Party, and One Cebu, have members in Team Mandaue.

However, Oliva said that Team Mandaue made it clear that their attendance was in support of former President Duterte and that, in fact, he would be endorsing local candidates.

“That is why nga kaming tanan mismo gusto gyud muadto,” said Oliva, adding that they were very happy that the former president was ready for them.

Oliva said that Team Mandaue also made it clear to their respective parties that they were only asking for the endorsement of the former president and were not resigning from their political parties.

Baricuatro respects Cortes' decision

Meanwhile, PDP-Laban gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro said she understands and respects Cortes’ decision to stay with One Cebu.

Baricuatro acknowledged that Cortes is accountable to both the party and former President Duterte, who currently serves as PDP-Laban’s president.

Baricuatro emphasized that, as PDP-Laban’s official gubernatorial candidate, she respects individual choices and affiliations.

When asked if she supports Cortes’ mayoral candidacy, Baricuatro confirmed. “Certainly. I am committed to following the directives of the PDP as a dedicated member," she said.

She added that her primary focus remains on serving the province and fulfilling her commitment to the constituents, prioritizing unity within the party and working collaboratively toward their shared goals.

Baricuatro reaffirmed her support for PDP-Laban and its endorsed candidates, emphasizing unity and dedication to the party’s vision for progress.

She further expressed her full support for all PDP-Laban candidates and those endorsed by both Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte, underscoring her loyalty to the party’s leadership and its mission for a stronger, more united Cebu. — (FREEMAN)