ALL eyes are on the coastal capital of Davao Oriental as two rival political forces gear up for a thrilling, back-to-back miting de avance on May 8, 2025 — a climactic moment that will test loyalties, legacies, and the strength of local machinery just days before the polls.
The Tatak Rabat team, led by incumbent Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat, congressional bet Atty. Sito Rabat, and Vice Mayor Enzo Rabat, is staging their final rally at Pylon Monument, Rizal Street at 5 p.m., following a grand motorcade at 4 p.m.
Known for their consistent service and wide grassroots support, the Rabats are expected to draw a massive crowd as they showcase their full councilor slate and rally their base in a show of unity and experience.
Meanwhile, the camp of incumbent Congressman Cheeno Almario, together with Joel Mayo Almario and their full local ticket, is holding their own miting de avance at MFGR Park and Baywalk starting at 4 p.m.
The Almario group is expected to pull out all the stops — including a scheduled fireworks display — to fire up their supporters and project momentum going into election day.
But behind the scenes of this political spectacle is a moment of magnanimity that has not gone unnoticed.
Mayor Michelle Rabat, who earlier issued a firm policy against any partisan activity inside MFGR Park and Baywalk — citing the park’s nature as a public, apolitical space — initially declined a similar request from the camp of Senator Bong Go.
However, in a surprising move, she allowed the Almario camp to use the venue for their rally, citing their intention to stage a public fireworks display as part of the festivities.
This act of fairness and accommodation has drawn attention, with many observers commending Mayor Rabat’s maturity and statesmanship amid an intense election season.
With dueling sound stages, thunderous applause, and thousands expected to attend both events, Mati City is bracing for one of its most exciting political nights in recent memory.
It’s not just about who gets the biggest crowd — it’s about who will win the heart of the city come election day. PR