2 Cebu mayors in poll DQ cases find relief in SC

Dismissed mayors Michael Rama of Cebu City (left) and Jonas Cortes of Mandaue City. —Photos: Official Facebook pages of Mike Rama and Jonas Cortes

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Two reelectionist city mayors of Cebu, who were ordered dismissed from government service by the Office of the Ombudsman recently, have found a brief relief from the Supreme Court.

On Tuesday, the high court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from disqualifying Mayors Michael Rama of Cebu City and Jonas Cortes of Mandaue City in next year’s midterm elections.

“The court ordered that the cases be consolidated. It also issued a temporary restraining order against the Comelec which was ordered to comment on the petitions within a nonextendible period,” said the SC on its official website.

READ: Cebu’s Rama, Cortes file CoCs, ask SC to stop dismissal order

The poll body was given by the high court 10 days from receipt of the order to comment on the separate petitions filed by Rama and Cortes who hoped to set aside the decisions of the Ombudsman.

During its session on Oct. 22, the Supreme Court acted on the separate petitions filed by Cortes and Rama, challenging Comelec Resolution No. 11044-A, dated Sept. 4.

The resolution mandates the cancellation of all certificates of candidacy (COCs) of aspirants who have been slapped with a penalty of disqualification by the Ombudsman.

Only a TRO from a higher court, such as the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court, can stop the revocation of their COCs.

Admin offenses

In the case of Rama and Cortes, both were deemed perpetually disqualified from holding public office after the Ombudsman found them guilty of administrative offenses.

Rama was found guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct for appointing his two brothers-in-law to City Hall posts.

Cortes, on the other hand, was found guilty by the Ombudsman of grave misconduct for allowing a cement batching plant to operate without necessary business and environmental permits.

The dismissal orders, which carried a penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, were made public on Oct. 3.

In a post on Facebook, Rama said he was very happy with the decision of the Supreme Court to issue a TRO on the reelection disqualification case against him.

“Tuloy ang laban!!! Praise God. Daghang Salamat, Señor Sto. Niño (The fight continues!!! Praise God. Thank you, Señor Sto. Niño),” he said.

Cortes, for his part, expressed gratitude to God and all those who supported him.

“The power of prayer has given us strength and guidance through all the challenges we’ve faced. Above all, we thank God for His continued guidance and strength. Upholding the rule of law and the Constitution is the cornerstone of our democracy, and we are grateful to the Supreme Court for reaffirming these values,” he said.

“This victory underscores our unwavering commitment to justice, but it is just one part of the broader fight we continue to face. With the truth on our side, we remain steadfast, guided by transparency and the trust of the Mandauehanons,” Cortes added.