Gov brokers truce between feuding Mandaue officials

The top officials of Mandaue City have agreed to cooperate and work together.

“Dili kami magpa-affect. Atong pinalanggang vice mayor, we will set aside our differences and work together for the welfare of the Mandauehanons,” Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said.

As for Vice Mayor Carlo Pontico Fortuna, he said that they will resolve issues in a constructive manner. “We are committed to work together and that transparency will be there,” he said.

“These issues are to be resolved professionally, or minus the derogatory words,” he added.

Before Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia will leave Cebu for a 10-day business trip to Russia, she met with Mandaue officials yesterday to help iron out differences among the leaders of the said city.

Aside from Cortes and Fortuna, administration councilors Diosdado Suico and Jimmy Lumapas as well as opposition councilor Beethoven Andaya attended the lunch meeting.

Before the nearly one-hour meeting was closed to the media, Cortes and Fortuna were seen sitting on opposite sides of the table with Garcia.

Members of the press heard the officials having a good laugh as they were about to end the luncheon.

As they went out of the conference room, Cortes and Fortuna were seen walking along with the Mandaue City councilors. The media questioned Fortuna first, but he said “it will be best if the mayor will speak first”.

Garcia earlier explained that she is intervening in the affairs of Mandaue City so that its people would be better served by their officials. – Garry B. Lao/MEEV