Ombudsman urged to 'uphold independence'

Local

LEADERS from various sectors in Mandaue City, including barangay captains, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, and civic groups, have issued a united call urging the Office of the Ombudsman to uphold its independence amid allegations of political interference in the case against former Mayor Jonas Cortes.

In a joint statement on Friday, February 7, the signatories questioned the Ombudsman’s handling of Cortes’ dismissal over claims that he allowed a cement batching plant to operate without proper permits from 2020 to 2022.

They raised concerns over what they described as an “unreasonably short” three-day deadline imposed on Cortes for a critical legal memorandum, arguing that due process should not be dictated by political timetables.

The statement also pointed to alleged inconsistencies in the Ombudsman’s decision-making, claiming that similar cases involving national officials and political dynasties have remained unresolved for years.

They asked why the case against Cortes was reassigned from the Visayas regional office, where it was initially investigated, to the Ombudsman’s central office, a move they described as highly irregular.

“The people of Mandaue deserve the truth, and we demand that the Ombudsman prove it is acting in the interest of justice rather than political influence,” the statement read.

The signatories alleged that the case against Cortes was politically motivated, noting that his opponent in the May 2025 elections, Jonkie Ouano, is connected to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

They claimed that Cortes’ legal troubles escalated suspiciously just as the election season approached.

“This highly suspicious timing raises serious concerns about whether these cases are truly about accountability or if they are merely a calculated political weapon designed to remove a strong public servant from office,” they said.

The statement further noted that current sitting Mayor Glen Bercede, a known Cortes ally, is also facing similar legal actions, which they said reflected a pattern of persecution against political opponents.

The groups demanded that the Ombudsman to clarify why the charges against Cortes and Bercede were transferred out of the Visayas office’s jurisdiction.

They also called on the anti-graft body to ensure that all public officials, regardless of political affiliation, are held to the same legal standards.

They warned that if the Ombudsman allows political influence to dictate its rulings, they are prepared to stage protests and mobilize voters in the upcoming elections.

“We will take to the streets if necessary... We will make our voices heard at the ballot box,” the statement declared.

Despite their criticisms, the signatories said they still believe the Ombudsman can correct its course and restore public trust by proving that its decisions are based on fairness rather than political pressure.

Cortes, who has denied any wrongdoing, has already announced plans to take his case to the Supreme Court, arguing that the Ombudsman’s ruling constitutes “grave abuse of discretion.”

His legal team is set to file a petition for certiorari in the coming weeks.(MyTVCebu)