A MIX of new, reelected and returning local chief executives will assume their posts across Cebu Province on Monday, June 30, 2025. This election marks a significant change in the provincial leadership, as a political newcomer has won the gubernatorial race.
Across the province’s three highly urbanized cities (HUCs), new mayors are set to lead their constituents for the next three years.
In Cebu City, City Councilor Nestor Archival will become the new mayor after defeating incumbent Raymond Alvin Garcia, who is the nephew of defeated Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. Mayor Garcia was seeking his first elected term after assuming the post from dismissed mayor Michael Rama in October 2024.
In Mandaue City, 6th District Provincial Board (PB) Member Thadeo Jovito Ouano won the mayoral seat against Jonas Cortes, who was running for his third consecutive and sixth overall term.
In Lapu-Lapu City, incumbent Lone District Rep. Cynthia King-Chan will replace her husband, outgoing Mayor Junard Chan, who first served from 2019 to 2022.
A major shift in provincial politics will see Pamela Baricuatro, a political neophyte, take office as the new governor of Cebu. She pulled an upset win against Governor Garcia, who was seeking her third consecutive and sixth overall term.
Governor Garcia previously served as governor from 2004 to 2010, then as Third District representative in 2013 and 2016, before returning as governor in 2019 and 2022.
Baricuatro, endorsed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, won with 1,107,924 votes against Garcia’s 765,051, despite Garcia having the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Reelectionists dominate local posts
Despite the change in the province’s top post, reelectionists dominated the 2025 midterm election. Nearly seven in 10, or about 66 percent, of local chief executives are returning to office.
Out of 53 local government units in the province, including the HUCs, 31 incumbent mayors successfully defended their seats. Ten of these mayors ran unopposed.
Conversely, a third of the mayoral posts, or 34 percent, will be occupied by new officials or returning politicians. The outgoing officials, including Governor Garcia, will end their terms at noon on Monday, June 30.
At least nine towns and component cities of the province have elected new mayors; some won against reelectionists, while others were endorsed by the outgoing mayors.
The new mayors, who are either first-timers or returning officials, who won in other component cities and towns:
Badian: Jerome Librando
Balamban: Amos Cabahug
Bantayan: Alex Layese
Bogo City: Mayel Martinez
Borbon: Nico Dotillos
Daanbantayan: Gilbert Arrabis Jr.
Dalaguete: Bembie Tambis
Danao City: Nito Durano
Medellin: Edwin Salimbangon
Pinamungajan: Glenn Baricuatro
San Remigio: Mariano Martinez
Sibonga: Caroline Bacaltos
Tabuelan: Rex Casiano Gerona
Reelectionist mayors who ran unopposed:
Talisay City: Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr.
Alcantara: Fritz Lastimoso
Barili: John-john Garcia
Carmen: Carlo Villamor
Minglanilla: Rajiv Enad
San Fernando: Mytha Canoy
San Francisco: Al Arquillano
Ronda: Chanic Blanco
Alcoy: Mayor-elect Eugene Singson
Candidates who ran unopposed:
Tuburan: CD Diamante
Tudela: Jojo Solante
Reelectionist mayors who defended their seats:
Toledo City: Joie Perales
Carcar City: Patrick Barcenas
City of Naga: Valdemar Chiong
Aloguinsan: Ig-ig Moreno
Argao: Allan Sesaldo
Boljoon: Jojie Derama
Dumanjug: Gungun Gica
Ginatilan: Roy Vincent Singco
Madridejos: Romeo Villaceran
Malabuyoc: Edang Piedad
Moalboal: Inocentes Cabaron
Oslob: Ronald Guaren
Samboan: Tito-tito Calderon
Sta. Fe: Ithamar Espinosa
Santander: Monic Buscato
Asturias: Dongkoy Dumdum
Catmon: Avis Monlean
Compostela: Felijur Quino
Cordova: Cesar Suan
Pilar: Winkey Santiago
Poro: Edgar Rama
Sogod: Moonyeen Streegan
Liloan: Aljew Frasco
Consolacion: Nene P. Alegado
Alegria: Gilberto Magallon
Tabogon: Francis Salimbangon
Congressional and PB seats
In the congressional districts, Rhea Mae Gullas of the 1st District, Karen Hope Garcia of the 3rd District (a newcomer) and Daphne Lagon of the 6th District won uncontested.
Reelectionist district representatives who retained their posts:
2nd District: Rep. Edcel Galleos
5th District: Rep. Duke Frasco
Cebu City North District: Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar
Cebu City South District: Rep. Eduardo Rama
Lone District of Mandaue City: Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon
Other officials who won congressional seats, either against or endorsed by the incumbent:
Lone District of Lapu-Lapu: Rep. Junard “Ahong” Chan
4th District: Rep. Sun Shimura
7th District: Rep. Patricia Calderon
For the PB, four candidates won unopposed across two districts: Antonio “Jojo” Bacaltos Jr. and Lakambini Reluya of the 1st District and Dason Larenz Lagon and Alfred Francis Ouano of the 6th District.
Incoming members of the PB are Stanley Caminero and Raymond Calderon (2nd District), Julius Corominas and Dason Lorenz Lagon (3rd District), Nelson Mondigo and Kerrie Shimura (4th District), Red Duterte and Mike Villamor (5th District) and Cesar Baricuatro and Paz Rozgoni (7th District). / EHP