Jonkie proclaimed; Cortes challenges poll results

CEBU, Philippines — Following Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano’s proclamation as the new mayor of Mandaue City, the camp of former mayor Jonas Cortes has challenged the city’s election results, citing alleged electoral fraud involving electronic manipulation, vote padding, and the improbability of the generated data.

During last Monday’s elections, Cortes received 94,448 votes, while Ouano garnered 101,549 votes.

In a complaint filed through his lawyer, Benjamin Cabrido Jr., Cortes alleged that at least 14 barangays showed irregularities.

“This challenge and any action/decision made be recorded in the Minutes; and I am given a certification/proof as to the filing of this challenge,” he said.

They alleged that in several barangays, the number of valid votes exceeded the number of actual voters.

In Barangay Subangdaku, specifically at Cluster Precinct ID: 22300216, they pointed out that although there were 855 registered voters and only 766 actually voted, the number of valid votes recorded was 960.

Other precincts named in the complaint include those in the barangays of Pagsabungan, Tingub, Umapad, Tipolo, and Tabok.

The challenge was submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) City Board of Canvassers on May 12, 2025, and officially received at 1 a.m. on May 13, 2025, by Atty. Marinez Oro.

Shortly after the proclamation of Mayor-elect Ouano at around 3 a.m. on May 13 by the Comelec Mandaue City Office of the Election Officer, he told reporters in an interview that it is normal for a candidate to file a protest and that it is their right to do so.

Ouano further said he respects the move and that they would respond with the necessary action.

However, the mayor-elect emphasized that now that the one-day election is over, all Mandauehanons should unite for the progress of the city.

Ouano added that the next political competition should be reserved for the 2028 presidential elections.

“Katong di pa gihapon kadawat sa unsay resulta unya nalang ta mag away og balik inig hapit ng 2028 mag tinabangay sa ta karon,” said Ouano.

With the victory of Ouano as mayor, Mandaue City will now be led by siblings, as Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon has also been reelected. Dizon garnered 117,107 votes against Atty. Regal Oliva, who received 79,548 votes.

Dizon said they are overwhelmed with joy and grateful for the opportunity given to them by the people of Mandaue to serve both as mayor and congresswoman with a shared vision for the city.

“Overwhelming kaayo ang amoang kalipay karon nga natagaan gyud mi og higayon sa mga Mandauehanon nga makaserbisyo both mayor and congresswoman nga usa ra ang amoang tumong,” said Ouano-Dizon.

Ouano said that local projects in Mandaue City would now proceed more quickly, as coordination with Congress would be easier with his sister’s help.

“Sa gihisgotan sa akong maguwang, nindot kaayo ni nga magkatimbayayong ang national ug ang local para mas paspas ang pagdagayday sa atong mga proyekto ug mga programa na gusto natong i-implementar,” said Ouano.

On the other hand, despite the pending challenge, Cortes thanked the people of Mandaue for their support throughout the election season through a message on his social media account.

“Sa akong mga pinalangga nga Mandauehanon—Daghang Salamat. Salamat sa inyong mainitong suporta, sa inyong mga pag-ampo, ug sa inyong kanunay nga pagkuyog sa tanang gihimo nato alang sa atong dakbayan,” he said.

Cortes said his journey has never been easy, but with the support he received, he has become stronger and more determined to continue serving regardless of the challenges.

“Dili kini ang kataposan. Dili kini pagbiya. Magpadayon ta sa atong tinguha nga mas mapalambu pa ang Mandaue—alang sa atong mga anak, alang sa atong mga komunidad. Daghang salamat sa inyong gugma, pagsalig, ug pagkuyog,” Cortes said.

Oliva congratulates Ouano-Dizon

Meanwhile, Atty. Regal Oliva congratulated Ouano-Dizon for winning the congressional seat for Mandaue City’s lone district.

“Ang resulta sa eleksyon klaro na, ug bisan og dili kini ang resulta nga among giampo ug gisaligan, ako mudawat niini with grace and respect for the voice of the Mandauehanons,” said Oliva in her Facebook

post.

Apart from the proclamation of the Ouano siblings, Comelec also proclaimed Glenn Bercede, who won in the vice mayoralty race, and city councilors Joel Seno, Fritz Villamor, Eugene Andaya, Ben Basiga, Jimmy Lumapas, Carlo Fortuna, Immaline Cortes-Zafra, Jun Arcilla, Ting Sol Cabahug, Jennifer Del Mary, Anjong Ouano-Icalina, and Editha Cabahug.

Malcolm Sanchez and Olin Seno were proclaimed as the Provincial Board members representing Mandaue City’s lone district. — (FREEMAN)