The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the suspension of Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes for an alleged questionable appointment of a department head.

The decision on the suspension of Cortes for "grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service” is in relation to the appointment of the head of the City Social Welfare Services (CSWS), Camilo Basaca, after the post was rendered vacant upon the retirement of the previous head.

The order, dated August 12, 2024, imposes a penalty of "suspension from the service for one year without pay."

The Office of the Mayor received a copy of the decision on August 21, 2024.

Atty. Jamaal James Calipayan, city administrator, cited that the appointment of Basaca is not detrimental to the delivery of services.

"This was done by [the] mayor in good faith because he believed kani nga person who helped out, makita man nato nga efficient kaayo ato CSWS, not really to the detriment of service or constituents, nga wala na-deprive ang constituents sa serbisyo,” Atty. Calipayan said.

Cortes’ legal team is set to file an appeal to the decision.

“If you look at the decision, I don’t know if you have a copy, there is no issue on corruption, even on the decision itself there is no corruption, it's just that mao na, ang pag-designate lang gyud,” Calipayan added.

As the decision is not implemented yet, Calipayan said that Cortes will remain in the service.

“As city administrator, I would advise the mayor to continue until we receive the implementation of the order from which agency gani mo-implement. Mao na, wa pa kadawat si mayor. Ang Office ni Mayor kadawat. We cannot implement it ourselves,” Calipayan further said.

Cortes issued an official statement on August 22, 2024. 

“My decision to designate Mr. Basaca was rooted in a commitment to enhance the services of the CSWS. His extensive experience and unwavering dedication were seen as vital to our mission of serving the people of Mandaue. Every decision I make is grounded in what will best serve our community, and this was no exception,” the mayor said in a post on the Mandaue City Public Information Office official social media account. 

“While the ruling presents a significant challenge, I remain resolute in my dedication to Mandaue and its people. We will pursue all legal avenues available to contest this decision, ensuring that our commitment to service remains strong and unbroken," he added.