Jonas: SC order on election protest step toward justice

CEBU, Philippines — Former Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes has welcomed the Supreme Court (SC) En Banc resolution regarding his electoral protest, describing it as a significant step in his pursuit of legal remedy.

The Court directed respondents to submit their comment on the petition and the prayer for a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed by Cortes in connection with the protest.

“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,” Cortes said.

In a resolution dated April 8, 2026, the Court, acting on Cortes’ petition for certiorari under Rule 64, resolved “without giving due course to the petition” to require respondents to file their comment within 10 days from notice.

The case involves Cortes’ petition against the Commission on Elections and Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano, along with a request for the issuance of a TRO and/or status quo ante order.

The notice, signed by Clerk of Court Marife M. Lomibao-Cuevas, confirmed that the matter will proceed to the responsive stage for further evaluation by the High Court.

Cortes said the directive affirms that the issues he raised are now being fully examined at the highest level of the judiciary.

“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,” he said.

Cortes also expressed confidence in the legal process, saying the development reinforces his belief in the rule of law.

“I have always believed that truth must be pursued through proper legal channels. This resolution gives us the opportunity to present our case with clarity and to allow the Court to evaluate the merits based on facts and law,” he said.

Addressing his supporters, Cortes said he remains hopeful and committed as the case progresses.

“To my fellow Mandauehanons and to everyone who continues to follow this journey, I remain hopeful and steadfast. This is a significant step toward justice, transparency, and accountability,” he said.

He further said that the legal process will continue with patience and trust in the judiciary.

“We move forward with patience, with faith, and with trust in the highest court of the land,” Cortes said.

Background

The election dispute stemmed from the May 2025 mayoral race, where Ouano defeated Cortes by over 7,000 votes.

Cortes filed an election protest before the Comelec, alleging irregularities such as discrepancies in vote counts, issues with automated counting machines, and questionable ballot handling. He also sought a manual recount and technical examination of the results.

In response, Ouano said the protest lacked merit and failed to show that the alleged irregularities could overturn his winning margin.

In January 2026, the Comelec dismissed Cortes’ protest for lack of sufficient evidence, prompting the former mayor to elevate the case to the SC through a petition for certiorari, where he also sought a TRO to halt the effects of the Comelec ruling. –MRM (CEBU NEWS)