SC asks Ouano to comment on Cortes’ election protest

Local

A SUPREME Court order requiring comments in an electoral dispute now places a sitting city executive and a former mayor on opposing sides before the country’s highest tribunal.

In a Resolution dated April 8, 2026, the Supreme Court En Banc acted on former Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes’ Petition for Certiorari under Rule 64 and his request for a Temporary Restraining Order.

The Court did not give due course to the petition but ordered the Commission on Elections, the Office of the Solicitor General, and sitting Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano to file their comments within 10 days from notice.

The notice identified the case as G.R. No. E-05486 (Jonas C. Cortes v. Commission on Elections and Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano), with the Commission on Elections, the Office of the Solicitor General, and private respondent Thadeo Jovito Ouano among those ordered to respond.

Following the Supreme Court action, Cortes issued a statement on Thursday, April 30, describing the development as a key procedural milestone in his legal challenge over the cancellation of his Certificate of Candidacy.

“I welcome the recent Resolution issued by the Supreme Court En Banc in connection with my electoral protest. The Court has required the respondents to file their comment on our petition and on our prayer for the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order within a specified period.”

He added that the Court’s action signals that his arguments will now undergo full judicial review.

“For me, this is a meaningful step forward. It affirms that the issues we have raised are being taken seriously and will now be fully heard and examined at the highest level of our judicial system. This development strengthens my faith in the rule of law and in the processes designed to protect the will of the people.”

Cortes said he continues to rely on legal procedures in pursuing his case, stressing that truth must go through proper channels and that the Supreme Court resolution allows him to present his arguments for evaluation based on facts and law.

He also addressed supporters and residents of Mandaue City, saying he remains hopeful and steadfast as the petition moves forward, calling the development a step toward justice, transparency, and accountability.

Cortes added that the process should continue with patience, faith, and trust in the highest court of the land.

The petition stems from his earlier challenge to the Commission on Elections’ decision canceling his Certificate of Candidacy, a ruling he elevated to the Supreme Court for review.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division earlier dismissed Cortes’ election protest against incumbent mayor Ouano for failing to meet mandatory form and content requirements.

The Comelec ruled that the protest lacked the required detailed allegations of fraud, anomalies, or irregularities and found no sufficient basis to proceed, leading to its dismissal.

Cortes filed the protest on May 23, 2025, seeking a manual recount and technical review of election records across 271 clustered precincts in Mandaue City, alleging irregularities in voting, counting, and transmission of results.

He cited claims of vote discrepancies, ballot rejections, machine errors, and issues with voters’ receipts, including reports where votes exceeded registered voters.

The Comelec issued summons to Ouano and ordered preservation of election documents.

Ouano, in his answer, asked for dismissal of the case, arguing the protest lacked sufficient form and substance and failed to show grounds to overturn his victory.(MyTVCebu)