Dismissed and reelectionist mayor of Mandaue City Jonas Cortes sought the authority of the Supreme Court to avert the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc's cancellation of his reelection bid in May 2025.

Cortes said that the Comelec en banc does not have the absolute authority to stop his bid for reelection. He reiterated that the Supreme Court, being the court of last resort, has the sole authority to issue an order that is "final and executory."

Cortes’ legal counsel filed a petition for certiorari, prohibition and injunction with application for issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) or writ of preliminary injunction on October 9, 2024.

Atty. Jamaal James Calipayan, Mandaue City administrator, pointed out that under the petition for certiorari they have filed, they sought that the Supreme Court nullifies Comelec Resolution 11044-A for being allegedly unconstitutional or against the law.

The Comelec resolution ordered the cancellation of the Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) filed by aspirants who have been ordered dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman from the service after being found guilty of grave violations while in government service.

(via Albert Aballe/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)