DISMISSED Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes could face challenges if he wins in the upcoming May 12, 2025 elections due to a ruling by the Ombudsman.
This was bared by Commission on Elections-Central Visayas (Comelec 7) Director Francisco Pobe, who said that while Cortes may still be proclaimed as the winner in the upcoming polls, the real challenge lies in whether he can assume office, given the Ombudsman’s decision, which includes dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
"If this issue is not resolved in favor of the former mayor or if the decision is not reversed, he will have difficulty assuming office," Pobe said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
He said the Ombudsman had already implemented its decision, which included both a suspension and a dismissal with perpetual disqualification.
Since Cortes had already been unseated, the remaining issue now is whether the decision will be overturned.
Pobe clarified this matter following reports stating that Cortes’ candidacy remains unaffected despite the Court of Appeals (CA) denying his request for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).
The TRO was sought in response to his one-year suspension over the appointment of an unqualified officer-in-charge for the Mandaue City Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).
Pobe confirmed that while Cortes’ candidacy remains valid, the bigger question is whether he can assume office if he wins the election.
For Cortes to hold office, Pobe emphasized that he must secure a favorable ruling reversing his conviction, which currently bars him from holding any government position.
"Kung makita nimo na, naa siya'y standing nga decision sa Ombudsman. Naa man siya'y decision sa kuan, so if ever nga siguro dili na siya ma reverse or dili ma stop, I think the decision of the Ombudsman will remain as is," said Pobe.
(If you look at it, he has an existing decision from the Ombudsman. If that decision is not reversed or stopped, it will remain in effect.)
The TRO only ensures that Cortes’ name remains on the ballot while his petition is still being heard by the Supreme Court. (AYB)