LAWYERS Karlo Alexei and Margarita Ignacia “Migs” Nograles have officially conceded defeat in the 2025 Davao City midterm elections, five days after the May 12 polls.
Despite a spirited campaign, both siblings lost to candidates backed by the powerful Duterte family. Karlo was defeated in the mayoral race by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD). At the same time, Migs fell short in her bid for the first district congressional seat against incumbent Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.
Karlo received 80,852 votes—far behind Duterte’s 662,630. Migs also lost by a wide margin, garnering 49,186 votes to Pulong’s 203,557.
On May 16, Karlo issued a statement thanking his supporters, volunteers, staff, and family for their dedication. He expressed deep gratitude for their efforts and offered prayers for Davao City’s continued growth and prosperity.
“Daghang kaayong salamat sa tanan natong mga higala, volunteers, supporters, katrabaho, staff, ug pamilya sa inyong kakugi, sakripisyo, ug mga pag-ampo. Dili gyud masukod ang akong pagpasalamat kaninyong tanan (Thank you very much to all our friends, volunteers, supporters, colleagues, staff, and family for your hard work, sacrifices, and prayers. My gratitude to all of you is truly immeasurable),” Karlo said.
He ended his message with a prayer for peace and guidance: “I will continue to pray for you and your families, that we, the people of Davao and all Filipinos, will continue to be a blessing to others, and may we always be guided by the light and peace of the Lord.”
On May 17, Migs, who also ran as an independent candidate, echoed her brother’s sentiments. She thanked their supporters for their unwavering dedication and accepted the election's outcome.
"Last election, our kababayan have spoken, and we accept and respect the decision of the Dabawenyos," Migs stated.
Migs reaffirmed her belief in Davao’s potential and shared that her candidacy was driven by a desire to help the city grow. "That belief remains undiminished even after this exercise,” she added.
She also congratulated the winning candidates and pledged her continued support for Davao’s development. "May your term be marked by unity and progress for all Dabawenyos,” she said. “Trust that I will remain ever an ally for real and meaningful change for our people and our city.”
The Nograles siblings’ concession follows a heated electoral battle against the Duterte family, long a dominant force in Davao City politics. Despite their loss, the Nograleses remain an influential political family committed to the city’s progress.
The final results were confirmed by the Davao City Board of Canvassers on May 13. The race served not only as a political contest but as a symbolic rematch of a long-standing rivalry between two of the city’s most prominent clans, with the Nograleses offering an alternative to the Duterte dynasty. DEF