Mayor-elect Ouano urge Mandauehanons to move forward, welcomes protest filed by foe

Local

PROCLAIMED Mandaue City mayor-elect Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano on Tuesday, May 13, said he respects the election protest filed by former mayor Jonas Cortes, even as he called on Mandauehanons to move forward and unite for the city’s progress.

“Actually, we’re very, very happy. It’s been a tight race for both families… But the majority of Mandauehanons have spoken and I think we should respect it,” Ouano said in an interview at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

He said this a day after Cortes' camp submitted a formal petition to the City Board of Canvassers, citing alleged widespread electoral fraud that included vote-padding and discrepancies in clustered precincts where valid votes reportedly exceeded the number of actual or registered voters.

The complaint, signed by Atty. Benjamin Cabrido Jr., flagged alleged irregularities in at least 14 clustered precincts, including those in Barangays Subangdaku, Tabok, Pagsabungan, Tingub, Tipolo, and Umapad.

In one instance, 960 valid votes were recorded in a precinct that had only 766 actual voters and 885 registered voters.

Ouano, who garnered 101,549 votes to defeat Cortes’ 94,448, said such petitions are common and part of the democratic process.

Independent candidates Jo Cortes and Gepind Requirme received 2,667 and 999 votes, respectively.

“That is normal. That is their right and we respect it. That is normal here in the Philippines,” Ouano said.

“They say, kidding aside, there are only two results in elections—either you win, or you lost because somebody cheated, which is normal," he added.

Despite the legal challenge, Ouano said he is more focused on preparing to assume office this July.

Among his first priorities is to conduct a financial audit of the city government, citing concerns over job order employees and a newly created group development office.

“If these individuals are qualified, then we will continue their employment. But if not, we have to remove them to save the city,” Ouano said, suggesting the funds could be realigned to social services.

He extended a hand of reconciliation to Cortes, saying both of them are from Mandaue and should set aside personal and political differences for the good of the city.

“Hopefully, we set our dislikes for the sake of the Mandauehanons and unite again for the betterment of the city,” Ouano said.

“Mas maayo unta, maghiusa ug magtinabangay ta karon when I assume office in July," he added.

Ouano is the brother of Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, who won in her reelection bid against former city treasurer Regal Oliva.(MyTVCebu)