The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed a case against Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes that involves the temporary settlement of individuals at a lot in Barangay Paknaan claimed as a private property.

The Ombudsman Visayas scrapped a case for alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Cortes that was filed by a certain Maria Priscilla Melendres.

The case has something to do with the temporary settlement of residents, who were dwelling on a danger zone in the city, at an area in Barangay Paknaan called “Ganghaan” that is claimed by Melendres as a private property.

In a decision by the Ombudsman, it cited that it has no jurisdiction over the case as there is already an ongoing civil case on it.

Melendres accused Cortes and four councilors of trespassing in the said property.

The Ombudsman further stated that it is premature yet to come up with a decision as the court is yet to decide on who owns the said property.

The four councilors are Oscar del Castillo, Malene Cortes-Zafra, Jen del Mar, and Cynthia Cinco-Remedio. 

(via DYSS Super Radyo GMA)