3 weeks ago
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EL NIDO, Palawan — Dismissed Mayor Jonas Cortes reaffirmed his loyalty to Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia-led One Cebu party, denying any shift in political allegiance despite receiving endorsement from former president Rodrigo Duterte.
On Sunday night, Cortes acknowledged the former chief executive's support but stopped short of confirming that he had rejoined Duterte's Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP).
"Ang pagtuboy ni kanhi Presidente Rodrigo Duterte kanako nagpakita nga ang matuod nga panaghiusa mas kusgan pa kaysa politika (Former President Rodrigo Duterte's endorsement of me shows that true unity is stronger than politics)," Cortes said.
Cortes also affirmed his loyalty to One Cebu and its inclusive governance approach.
Cortes said that, from the start, he has believed "leadership should not be measured by party affiliation but by genuine and sincere service to the people."
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"Dili ang partido o kolor maoy mo diktar sa atong tumong ug misyon kundi ang matuod nga panerbisyo ug ang pagpalambo sa kinabuhi sa matag Mandauehanon ug Pilipino (It is not the party or color that should dictate our goals and mission, but genuine service and the improvement of the lives of every Mandauehanon and Filipino)," he said.
Cortes issued the statement after many speculated he rejoined the political party, after he was seen at the PDP's senatorial proclamation event in San Juan City on Feb. 13, where he appeared alongside dismissed Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama's Partido Barug and allies of former Lapu-Lapu City mayor Paz Radaza.
His presence at the event fueled speculation about a possible return to PDP, which he left in May 2024 before joining One Cebu.
The controversy gained traction as PDP is backing Pamela Baricuatro, Garcia's opponent, in the gubernatorial race in Cebu.
Garcia severed ties with PDP after clashing with Rama, who sought her suspension over her opposition to the creation of a station of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit in front of the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
Despite facing legal challenges, including a Supreme Court ruling that upheld his disqualification from the 2025 elections, Cortes remains on the ballot due to a temporary restraining order issued in January.
His Team Mandaue slate will go head-to-head with Rep. Emmarie Ouano-Dizon's team, which enjoys the backing of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
