Cortes calls on supporters to be alert against cheating

Mandaue City mayoralty candidate Jonas Cortes and the candidates under his slate have called on their supporters to be vigilant against cheating by their opponents in the May 14 election.

Cortes, in the weekly Kapihan ni Ate Glo at the Norkis Display Center yesterday, said the political situation may lead to cheating by the camp of mayoralty contender Jonkie Ouano that is now on the verge of desperation already.

Cortes claimed that the suspension of Jonkie’s father, Mayor Thadeo Ouano, had weakened the Ouano camp and caused it to engage in acts of desperation.

He cited an incident where a relative of his vice-mayoralty candidate Glenn Bercede was beaten up allegedly by Ouano’s supporters.

"Akong hagit nila: akoy suwayi. Ayaw lang ang mga kabus kay kami anaa kanunay sa mga kabus," Cortes said.

Jonkie however countered that the statements showed that Cortes "is now very afraid that he is losing his grip on his candidacy."

In a text message yesterday afternoon to The Freeman, Jonkie said that Cortes backed out at the last minute and did not attend the ABS-CBN candidates’ forum "upon learning that I will be there."

On rumors that Jonkie’s grandfather, the former mayor Alfredo "Pedong" Ouano, will eventually replace Jonkie as candidate for mayor, Cortes said he is ready to face anybody from the Ouano family.

Jonkie however said he would continue his bid to represent "the new Mandauehanon," adding that Cortes "now wants to face off with somebody else."

Cortes said Jonkie had already realized the power of the Cortes team especially after they were able to campaign in barangays Opao and Umapad, which were considered Ouano fortresses that the opposition could not enter to crack.

In the campaign trail, Jonkie said he would focus on investment promotion to generate more jobs and revenues for basic and social services.

Cortes, for his part, said Mandaue City needs a man like him who truly serves the people similar to his father, the late mayor Demetrio Cortes Sr. — Gregg M. Rubio/RAE