BISHOP Rod Cubos congratulated former President Rodrigo Duterte (FPRRD) on his victory and expressed respect for the choice of the Dabawenyos in the May 2025 elections.
"The people of Davao have spoken, and I respect the democratic process and the will of the Dabawenyos. I wish Mayor Duterte all the best as he continues to lead our beloved city," he said in a statement on May 1, 2025.
Duterte was officially proclaimed mayor of Davao City on May 13 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall after securing a landslide win with 662,630 votes. His closest rival, Karlo Nograles, received 80,852 votes, while Cubos garnered 7,757.
Despite the loss, Cubos said he was deeply touched by the support he received and remains committed to his mission.
“While we may not have achieved the outcome we hoped for, my calling to serve has never been confined to political office,” he said. “I will continue my work as Bishop of the Christ the Healer International Missions Movement—offering hope, compassion, and spiritual guidance.”
He thanked his volunteers for their dedication, saying their efforts to spread his eight-point program for a better Davao would not be forgotten. He also acknowledged his fellow candidates from the same church, admiring their courage and shared commitment to public service.
As founding chairman of the Love Philippines Movement, Cubos said he will press on with community work, humanitarian efforts, and faith-based initiatives to uplift the lives of Dabawenyos.
He ended by encouraging supporters to stay hopeful and support the city's new leadership for the common good. RGP