CEBU CITY – Dismissed Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes clarified that he remains loyal to One Cebu, an influential political party headed by Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia.

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte endorses the reelection bid of dismissed Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes. (FB)
Cortes issued the clarification after he received an endorsement from former President Rodrigo Duterte, chairman of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
Duterte’s endorsement and Cortes’ presence in the recent proclamation rally of PDP-Laban raised some eyebrows as he bolted the party in May 2024.
Garcia also left PDP-Laban due to her conflict with dismissed Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama. Garcia is seeking reelection this May against Pam Baricuatro, whose candidacy is beeing backed by PDP-Laban.
Despite Duterte’s endorsement, Cortes clarified that he is not leaving One Cebu. He said the endorsement he received from the former President is a symbol of unity.
“Ang pagtuboy ni kanhi Presidente Rodrigo Duterte kanako nagpakita nga ang matuod nga panaghiusa mas kusgan pa kaysa politika (The endorsement of President Rodrigo Duterte of my candidacy shows that unity is stronger than politics),” Cortes said in a statement.
Cortes added that leadership is not measured by political colors but through genuine service to the people.
“Dili ang partido o kolor maoy mo diktar sa atong tumong ug misyon kundi ang matuod nga panerbisyo ug ang pagpalambo sa kinabuhi sa matag Mandauehanon ug Pilipino (It’s not the party or color that should dictate us in our purpose and mission but genuine service and help improve the lives of every Mandauehanon and the Filipinos),” Cortes said.
Cortes' clarification came after he attended the proclamation of PDP-Laban’s senatorial candidates in San Juan City on Feb. 13. Also present in the event were Rama and former Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza.