Jonkie urges discussion on policies and programs

The camp of Jonkie Ouano, who intends to run for mayor of Mandaue City, yesterday challenged the camp of his expected rival, councilor Jonas Cortes, to an intelligent debate on issues rather than to engage in mudslinging and character assassination.

In a press statement, the Ouano camp also refuted a number of issues that have been raised in the media, including the alleged harassment of workers at city hall, which it said was not harassment but a performance audit of workers regardless of political affiliation.

It denied tricycle drivers were being harassed if they refused to accept Ouano stickers, saying the demand for the stickers had been so great there was no time to bother with a few drivers who did not want them.

The Ouano camp belittled the alleged mauling of a Cortes supporter, saying the supposed victim had been a troublemaker who has been implicated in a string of criminal cases.

As to an incident in which Umapad barangay captain Zaldy Lumapas allegedly caused the taking down of a basketball goal donated by Cortes, Lumapas explained that a similar goal had already been pledged by provincial board member Alfie Ouano, a brother of Jonkie, hence his refusal to accept the basketball goal from Cortes.

The Ouano camp assailed its rivals for allegedly trying to hide their lack of competence and a clear platform by resorting to dirty tactics.

It then challenged Cortes and his supporters to a public discussion of relevant issues such as policies and programs that both aspiring candidates can offer Mandauehanons.

Ouano is anchoring his intended candidacy on an economic agenda meant to sustain the growth of Mandaue City, now considered one of the most promising growth areas in the country, the press statement said.