Ombudsman upholds order dismissing Cortes from service

Local

THE Office of the Ombudsman has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by former Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, who sought to reverse an order dismissing him from service over allegations that he allowed a cement batching plant to operate without the necessary permits from 2020 to 2022.

Cortes, who is seeking reelection in the May 12, 2025, midterm elections, announced on Monday, February 3, that he will challenge the Ombudsman’s decision before the Supreme Court (SC).

Cortes argued that the ruling constituted an overreach of authority and amounted to “grave abuse of discretion.”

Marforth Fua, a member of Cortes’ legal team, confirmed their plan to file a Petition for Certiorari under Rule 65, citing grave abuse of discretion as their legal remedy.

Cortes maintained his innocence, characterizing the case as politically motivated and expressing confidence in the SC’s impartiality.

He emphasized his trust in the judiciary, stating that the HIgh Court remains beyond political influence and is the proper avenue for seeking justice.

He also acknowledged the possibility of an arrest warrant being issued against him but insisted that he was ready to face any legal consequences.

He declared that he no longer harbored fear and was prepared to confront the charges.

The Ombudsman’s resolution, issued on September 26, 2024, found probable cause to charge Cortes with violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

This resulted in a criminal case being filed against him.

The case originated from a complaint filed on October 17, 2022, by Barangay Labogon residents Ines Corbo Necesario and Julita Oporto Narte.

They accused Cortes of failing to issue a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against Suprea Philippines Development Corp., despite complaints that its operations were causing air and noise pollution in the area.

The Ombudsman’s decision not only removed Cortes from office but also barred him from holding public office and forfeited his retirement benefits.

Cortes defended his actions, stating that he had relied on findings from the Mandaue City Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the Office of the Punong Barangay of Labogon.

Both offices did not recommend issuing a CDO against Suprea.

Instead of ordering an immediate shutdown, Cortes issued a mission order to inspect the plant’s compliance with environmental and business regulations.

He maintained that no substantial evidence proved he had acted in bad faith or with gross negligence.

The SC recently granted Cortes a TRO preventing the Commission on Elections from implementing its resolution cancelling his certificate of candidacy.

The order also barred the poll body from removing his name from the official list of candidates.(MyTVCebu)