Dismissed Mandaue mayor launches reelection bid

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MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — Dismissed Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes has officially launched his comeback bid, urging rivals to stop using legal maneuvers to derail his campaign and instead face him fair and square in the May 12, 2025 election.

Cortes, who was removed from office in 2023, kicked off his reelection bid on Friday, March 28, at Pasilong sa Paradise.

It also marked the start of the local campaign season with a combative message.

"I will be back stronger than ever," Cortes said to his Team Mandaue supporters.

In an interview with The Manila Times after the rally, Cortes criticized his opponents for allegedly resorting to "shortcuts and legal tactics" to block his return.

He did not name names, but his remarks were clearly aimed at his former allies who are now aligned with One Mandaue.

Running under One Mandaue are incumbent 6th District Rep. Emmarie Ouano-Dizon, Vice Mayor Nerrisa Soon-Ruiz and Board Member Thadeo Ouano, who is running for mayor against Cortes.

In 2024, Cortes was first suspended for appointing an unqualified official, then dismissed in October for grave misconduct over his inaction against the controversial cement batching plant in Barangay Labogon.

Despite the ombudsman denying his appeal to run for office again, the Supreme Court later issued a temporary restraining order (TRO), allowing him to remain in the mayoral race.

Cortes, now seeking vindication at the ballot box, led Team Mandaue's full slate during Friday's rally.

Among his running mates include incumbent Mayor Glenn Bercede, now gunning for the vice mayor post, and Regal Oliva, who is running for district representative.

Also part of the team are board member bets JJ Go and Malcolm Sanchez, along with councilor aspirants Jun Arcilla, Dante Borbajo, Editha Cabahug, Maline Cortes-Zafra, Oscar Del Castillo, Jen Del Mar, Jojie Espina, Carlo Fortuna, Jimmy Lumapas, Ernie Manatad, Francis Karlo Remedio and Marco Sanchez.

Friday's rally was held on the same day as supporters of Rodrigo Duterte gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of the former president.

The event, held nearby, featured calls from Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa for Duterte to be released from detention at The Hague.

Speakers at the birthday celebration decried what they described as political persecution, not only against Duterte but also against Cortes.

Highlighting Team Mandaue's inclusivity, congressional candidate Oliva took center stage at the rally alongside LGBTQIA+ personalities that included Miss International Queen 2022 Fuchsia Anne Ravena and finalist Jess Labares.

Oliva is the first transgender woman president of the Cebu Lady Lawyers Association.