A POLITICAL upset defined the May 12, 2025, midterm elections in Cebu Province, as neophyte Pamela Baricuatro unseated incumbent Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
Thirty-one incumbent mayors successfully defended their seats, with several running unopposed, including Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr, Alcantara Mayor Fritz Lastimoso, and Barili Mayor John-john Gica.
Other reelected mayors included Toledo City’s Joie Perales, Carcar City’s Patrick Barcenas, and Naga City’s Valdemar Chiong.
In Cebu City, Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan reclaimed the mayoral office with Councilor Nestor Archival’s 253,325-vote victory.
Mandaue City saw the Ouano family’s return after 18 years, with Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano defeating Jonas Cortes. His sister, Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, retained her seat, promising coordinated governance.
In Lapu-Lapu City, Team Kaabag’s 15-0 landslide saw Rep. Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan winning the mayoral post. She will succeed her husband, Mayor Junard Chan, who won the city’s lone seat in the Lower House.
According to the Commission on Elections 7, Cebu Province has a voter turnout of 86.71 percent or 2,088, 749 of 2,409,023 registered voters.
These results reflect Cebu’s electoral complexity, balancing incumbent loyalty, new leadership, and electoral process concerns, shaping its political future. / EHP, JPS, CAV, DPC, CDF, JJL