The Supreme Court has ordered respondents to file comments in an electoral dispute involving former Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, placing him opposite sitting Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano before the country’s highest tribunal.
In a Resolution dated April 8, 2026, the Supreme Court En Banc acted on Cortes’ Petition for Certiorari under Rule 64 and his request for a Temporary Restraining Order.
The Court did not give due course to the petition but directed the Commission on Elections, the Office of the Solicitor General, and Ouano to submit their comments within 10 days from notice.
The case is docketed as G.R. No. E-05486 (Jonas C. Cortes v. Commission on Elections and Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano), naming the poll body, the state’s legal arm, and Ouano as respondents.
Following the development, Cortes issued a statement on Thursday, April 30, describing the resolution as a key procedural step in his legal challenge over the cancellation of his Certificate of Candidacy.
“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.”
He said the directive indicates that his arguments will undergo full judicial review.
“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.
“This development strengthens my faith in the rule of law and in the processes designed to protect the will of the people,” he added.
Cortes said he continues to rely on legal procedures, stressing that truth must pass through proper channels and that the resolution allows the Court to evaluate the case based on facts and law.
He also addressed supporters and residents of Mandaue City, saying he remains hopeful and steadfast as the petition moves forward, calling it a step toward justice, transparency, and accountability, and adding that the process should continue with patience, faith, and trust in the highest court.
The petition stems from his earlier challenge to the Commission on Elections’ decision canceling his Certificate of Candidacy, which he elevated to the Supreme Court for review.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections First Division earlier dismissed Cortes’ election protest against Ouano for failing to meet mandatory form and content requirements.
The poll body ruled that the protest lacked detailed allegations of fraud, anomalies, or irregularities and found no sufficient basis to proceed.
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