Comelec Dismisses Election Protest, Confirms Ouano's Victory in Mandaue City
In a decisive ruling, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially dismissed an election protest challenging the results of the 2025 mayoral race in Mandaue City, Cebu. This decision, issued on January 29, 2026, confirms the victory of incumbent Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano over former candidate Jonas C. Cortes, bringing closure to a contentious legal battle that began shortly after the election.
Protest Details and Dismissal Grounds
Cortes filed the protest on May 23, 2025, demanding a manual recount and technical examination of election documents across all 271 clustered precincts in Mandaue City. He alleged widespread irregularities during the voting, counting, and transmission processes, including discrepancies between voter turnout and ballot counts, as well as instances where ballot counts reportedly exceeded registered voter numbers. Additional complaints cited malfunctioning automated counting machines, inaccurate or missing voter receipts, and improper ballot rejections.
However, in its order, the Comelec First Division ruled that the protest failed to meet necessary legal standards, citing "insufficient details and lack of substantial evidence" to support claims of cheating. The Commission emphasized that many issues raised were technical incidents common in elections, such as machine troubleshooting or ballot re-feeding, which do not inherently constitute electoral fraud.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Arguments
Mayor Ouano responded to the protest on June 5, 2025, urging Comelec to dismiss the case on grounds of being "insufficient in form and substance." He argued that Cortes failed to establish a valid basis for the protest or demonstrate how alleged irregularities could overcome the winning margin. A hearing was held on September 23, 2025, where both sides presented their arguments.
In its final ruling, Comelec clarified that issues like voter receipt printing problems alone do not prove fraud, noting Cortes did not show these incidents were widespread or altered the election outcome. The Commission found the protest lacked the "detailed and specific account" of fraud required by election rules, leading to its summary dismissal.
Implications for Mandaue City Politics
This ruling effectively upholds Mayor Ouano's 2025 election victory, reinforcing the legitimacy of his mandate in Mandaue City. It underscores Comelec's role in adjudicating election disputes based on evidence and procedural compliance, rather than unsubstantiated claims. The dismissal may influence future election protests by setting a precedent for the level of detail and proof needed to challenge results, potentially discouraging frivolous cases.
For the residents of Mandaue City, this decision provides clarity and stability in local governance, allowing the administration to focus on ongoing projects and public services without the cloud of electoral uncertainty. It also highlights the importance of robust election mechanisms and transparency in maintaining public trust in democratic processes.
