The Supreme Court of the Philippines en banc has issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against a Commission on Elections (Comelec) order disqualifying Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama from participating as candidates in the May 2025 elections.

Separate petitions challenged Comelec Resolution No. 11044-A dated September 4, 2024 disqualifying Cortes and Rama following their respective dismissals by the Ombudsman that include the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

The High Court ordered Comelec to “comment on the petitions within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of notice.”

In the Court’s post on October 22, 2024 via Supreme Court PH, it ordered Comelec to put on hold the implementation of the disqualification order “while the Supreme Court reviews the cases.”

Cortes, in an official statement on his social media page, conveyed his gratitude to the Supreme Court for the decision.

“Ang gahum sa pag-ampo ang naghatag kanato og kusog ug giya sa tanang naagiang pagsulay. So above all, salamat sa Ginoo for His continued guidance and strength. Upholding the rule of law and the Constitution is the cornerstone of our democracy, and we are grateful to the Supreme Court for reaffirming these values. This victory underscores our unwavering commitment to justice, but it is just one part of the broader fight we continue to face. With the truth on our side, we remain steadfast, guided by transparency and the trust of the  Mandauehanons,” Cortes said.

Meanwhile, Rama posted a short note on his official social media account upon learning of the ruling.

“Tuloy ang laban! Praise God. Daghang salamat, Señor Sto. Niño (hands-in-prayer emoji),” Rama said.