The first day of the official campaign period for the 2025 elections began with candidates launching their activities across Cebu City and Cebu Province. Major political parties held rallies, motorcades, and public gatherings to reach voters.
CEBU CITY
PARTIDO BARUG
Partido Barug, led by Cebu City mayoralty candidate Mike Rama and vice mayoralty candidate and incumbent Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, along with candidates for councilor and their supporters, attended the 5 a.m. Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on Friday, March 28, 2025, start of the local campaign period. | via Juan Carlo de Vela
‘PEACE BE WITH YOU’
Watch this interview with Cebu City mayoralty candidate Mike Rama on Friday, March 28, 2025, right after the Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Members of his team, Partido Barug, attended the 5 a.m. Mass to kick-off their campaign for the May 2025 elections. | via Juan Carlo de Vela
TEAM KUSOG PANAGHIUSA
Team Kusog Panaghiusa, led by Cebu City mayoral candidate and incumbent Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, along with vice mayoral candidate Joey Daluz, congressional candidates, city councilor candidates, and supporters, attended Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on the opening day of the election campaign on March 28, 2025. | via Juan Carlo de VelaPhoto by Juan Carlo de Vela
Raymond urges candidates: Shun fake news, personal attacks
“Hopefully no fake news (and) attacks that are personal in nature.”
This was Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia’s hope as the local campaign period began on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Garcia hoped that candidates will avoid fake news and personal attacks, and focus instead on presenting their platforms to address the issues faced by the city.
“You conduct yourself with utmost honesty, integrity, you treat your fellow candidates with respect, no below the belt, no mudslinging, mao nay pinaka-importante,” said Garcia.
While political violence is not a major concern in the city, Garcia still prayed for a peaceful and orderly campaign period. | via Juan Carlo de Vela & JJL
PARTIDO CEBUANO KILUSANG BAGONG LIPUNAN
Partido Cebuano Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) has officially launched its campaign, rallying behind the call for "Usa ka Bag-o nga Sinugdanan: Para sa Mas Maayo ug Luwas nga Cebu City" (A New Beginning: For a Better and Safer Cebu City).
The party's mayoral candidate is Yogi “Filemon” Ruiz, a former Customs official.
With a platform focused on renewal, unity, and people-first governance, Partido Cebuano KBL has introduced its slate of candidates for the upcoming elections:
In the North District, the party is fielding Ren Ranche, Clarissa Larry Otadoy, and Niceforo Iroy.
In the South District, the candidates include Susan Jaca Berido, Omar Kintanar, Bonel Balingit, Renil Oliva, Arlene Salahuddin, Vic Buendia, and Emman Maranga. | via CDF
WENCESLAO JOINS KUSUG-PANAGHIUSA
Incumbent Cebu City Councilor Noel Wenceslao of Partido Barug joins the Kusug-Panaghiusa coalition party of incumbent City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia for a handshaking event at City Hall on Friday, March 28, 2025. | via JPSÑ
BANDO OSMEÑA PUNDOK KAUSWAGON
Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagon, led by Cebu City mayoral candidate and incumbent Councilor Nestor Archival, along with vice mayoral candidate Tomas Osmeña, congressional candidates, city councilor candidates, and supporters, attended Mass for the opening salvo of election campaigns at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Cebu City on March 28, 2025. | via Juan Carlo de Vela
PARTIDO CEBUANO
Partido Cebuano, led by Cebu City mayoralty candidate Yogi Ruiz, along with its City Council candidates, held a press conference on the first day of election campaigns at Golden Prince Hotel in Cebu City on March 28, 2025. | via Juan Carlo de VelaJuan Carlo de Vela
BANDO OSMEÑA PUNDOK KAUSWAGON
Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), led by Cebu City mayoralty candidate Nestor Archival and former city mayor Tomas Osmeña, who is running for vice mayor, kicked off their local election campaign at the grounds of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday, March 28, 2025. | via JPS
“Don’t exchange a long lasting program for just rice and money.”
This was the reminder of Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival, Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK)’s mayoralty candidate, as the local campaign period began on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Archival urged the public to choose leaders who create programs and services that are for longer terms.
“Hangyo sa katawhan, ayaw intawn ibaylo ang atong serbisyo para kaninyong tanan nga magmalungtaron. Dili lang sa bugas, dili lang sa kwarta. Kay ang bugas ug kwarta karon ra na, atong mga programa nga pagahimuon, magmalungtaron,” said Archival.
Archival and his running mate, former mayor Tomas Osmeña, led the kick-off of BOPK’s campaign activities on Friday morning, around 9:30 a.m., at Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu in Barangay Guadalupe. | via JPS/JJL
Juan Carlo de Vela
ANOTHER DISMISSAL CASE FOR RAMA
Another dismissal case has been imposed on former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama by the Ombudsman after he was found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The dismissal order, dated January 3, 2025, also applies to five former members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC)—Leizl Jacobe Calamba, Lyndon Bernardo Jao Basan, Conrado Acha Ordesta III, Janeses Bordario Ponce, and Dominic Amigable Diño.
The ruling follows a complaint filed by Jundel Bontuyan on August 11, 2023, alleging that Rama and the BAC members awarded three purchase orders for garbage collection and disposal to Jomara Konstruckt Corp., ACM Hauling Services, and ARN Central Waste Management, Inc. without conducting a competitive bidding process.
The order was signed by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer III Myra Nimfa Solidum-Mendieta and Officer II Roseann Claudine Pasion, reviewed by Nellie Boguen-Golez, and approved by Deputy Ombudsman Jose Balmeo. | via JPS
LAPU-LAPU CITY
OPLAN BAKLAS
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Lapu-Lapu City Office officially launched the local campaign period with its "Oplan Baklas" initiative, targeting the removal of illegal campaign materials from non-designated areas.
The election agency was divided into two groups, focusing on removing posters along Barangays Pusok to Basak on Friday, March 28, 2025. | via DPC
TEAM KAABAG
The Team KAABAG slate kicked off its local election campaign on Friday, March 28, 2025, with a caravan on Olango Island.
Leading the slate is Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Congresswoman Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, who is running for mayor, alongside incumbent Vice Mayor Celedonio Sitoy, who is seeking re-election, and Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, who is campaigning for the congressional seat.
The caravan was joined by all 11 incumbent councilors: Annabeth Cuizon, Efren Herrera, Climaco Tatoy Jr., Emilio Galaroza, Joseph Pangatungan, Joergen Eyas-Book, Jun Alforque, Susan Baring, Jan Vincent Dela Serna, Ariane Yap, and Celestino Aying.
Also part of the team is Barangay Canjulao Captain Rufo Bering.
The event will culminate in a mini rally at the Mini City Hall in Barangay Talima, Olango Island, at 6:30 p.m. | via DPC
“ADVOCATING FOR A PEACEFUL ELECTION”
Lapu-Lapu City Congresswoman Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, who is running for mayor in the May 2025 elections, stated in an interview with VoxPop Cebu on Friday, March 28, 2025, that the peace covenant signing is an important step toward ensuring a peaceful election process alongside fellow candidates.
The program, which includes a unity walk, peace covenant signing, interfaith rally, and forum in Lapu-Lapu City, will take place on Saturday, March 29.
Chan also expressed that, if elected mayor, she will continue the projects and initiatives of her husband, incumbent Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan. | via DPC
CHAN EXPECTS SURGE OF SUPPORT
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan expects a surge of support for the Team Kaabag slate in Olango Island following a caravan and mini rally on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Chan, who is running for the congressional seat in the May 2025 elections, stated that his administration has addressed key issues on the island, including electricity, road improvements, and the addition of new schools.
He is also anticipating a peaceful covenant signing with fellow candidates on Saturday, March 29, emphasizing that they are all well-acquainted with one another. | via DPC
TEAM DERETSO
Supporters of Team Deretso slate gather in Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City on Friday, March 28, 2025, for the kick-off rally, marking the start of the local campaign period.
The event will be led by former Lapu-Lapu City mayor Paz Radaza, who is running for the mayoral post, Michael Dignos for vice mayor, and Ryan Yuson for congressman.
Completing the whole slate are the councilors under Team Deretso: Regina Ybañez, Carolina Apa-Caba, Ferdinand Cahlog, Alan Jay Amodia, Delano Eviota, Rogelio Aying, Edgardo Abejo, Teodulo Ybañez, Ernesto Tumulak, Arsenio Berdin, Richard Aparri, Boy Patalinhug. | via DPC
PEACEFUL CAMPAIGN
Lapu-Lapu City mayoral candidate Paz Radaza shared her hopes for a peaceful campaign during their rally on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Drawing on her experience as a mayor, congresswoman, and barangay captain, Radaza said she is committed to addressing the community's challenges and fostering their overall development.
Radaza is set to run for the mayoral post against Lapu-Lapu City Congresswoman Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan. | via DPC
TEAM KAABAG
Team Kaabag officially kicked off its campaign rally on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Mini City Hall in Barangay Talima, Olango Island.
The slate is led by Lapu-Lapu City’s Lone District Congresswoman Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, who is running for mayor; incumbent Vice Mayor Celedonio Sitoy, who is seeking re-election; and incumbent Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, who is vying for a congressional seat.
The mini rally was also joined by the 11 incumbent city councilors: Annabeth Cuizon, Efren Herrera, Climaco Tatoy Jr., Emilio Galaroza, Joseph Pangatungan, Joergen Eyas-Book, Jun Alforque, Susan Baring, Jan Vincent Dela Serna, Ariane Yap, and Celestino Aying and Canjulao Barangay Captain Rufo Bering. | via DPC
Lapu-Lapu City PIO
DERETSO PDP-LABAN
Team Deretso PDP-Laban launched its campaign rally on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City.
Former Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Corro Radaza, who is running for mayor once again, led the opening event of Team Deretso, alongside Congressman Ryan Yuson and former city councilor Atty. Michael Dignos, who is running for vice mayor. | Contributed photos
UNITY WALK
The Unity Walk, Interfaith Rally, Peace Covenant Signing, and Candidates' Forum officially kicked off in Lapu-Lapu City on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The event was led by Team KAABAG, which includes mayoral candidate and Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Congresswoman Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, incumbent Vice Mayor Celedonio Sitoy, who is seeking re-election, and Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, who is running for the congressional seat.
Eleven councilors from the Team KAABAG slate were also present.
Mayoral candidate Cristine Takahashi, representing the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) party, was also in attendance.
However, the Team Deretso slate, led by former Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, had not yet arrived at the venue. | via DPC
A Unity Walk, Interfaith Rally, and Peace Covenant Signing for Secure, Accurate, Free, and Fair Elections (SAFE) was held at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall grounds on March 29, 2025. The event was attended by mayoralty candidates Cindi Chan and Cristine Takahashi, congressional candidate Junard Chan, and various city councilor candidates. | via Juan Carlo de Vela
PEACE COVENANT SIGNING
The Team Kaabag slate, led by Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Congresswoman Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan and independent mayoralty candidate Cristine Takahashi, united in a strong display of solidarity and successfully signed the peace covenant as a pledge to uphold public service on Saturday, March 29, 2025. | via DPS
MANDAUE CITY
OPLAN BAKLAS
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Mandaue launched its "Oplan Baklas" campaign on Friday, March 28, 2025, to remove illegal campaign posters of local candidates, marking the start of the campaign period for local positions.
Officials from Comelec Mandaue, along with personnel from the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue, the Mandaue City Police, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), participated in the removal of posters along national roads.
However, they are unable to remove posters placed on private property, such as walls within privately owned areas, without the owner’s consent.
Permission from the property owner is required before any removal can take place. | via CAV
TEAM MANDAUE
Team Mandaue, led by Mandaue City mayoralty candidate Jonas Cortes, Vice Mayoralty candidate and incumbent Mayor Glenn Bercede, and Congressional candidate Atty. Regal Oliva, kicked off their campaign Friday, March 28, 2025, at Pasilong sa Paradise in Mandaue City. | via Juan Carlo de Vela
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
During the opening salvo of Team Mandaue’s rally on Friday night, March 28, 2025, the group celebrated the 80th birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Supporters sang “Happy Birthday” and expressed their well-wishes, including prayers of good health and hopes for the former president's return to the country. | via CAV
CEBU PROVINCE
ONE CEBU PARTY
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Governor candidate and Provincial Board Member Glenn Soco, and Ako Bisaya nominee Carissa Garcia arrived in the town of Barili via chopper to lead the kick-off of the One Cebu party’s 2025 local elections campaign.
The kick-off began with a Mass celebration at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Ana in the town of Barili, Southern Cebu.
Garcia was greeted by local candidates led by Barili Mayor Pablo John "John-John" Garcia IV and his slate, Team One Mandaue of Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, and Team Alagad of Consolacion Mayor Teresa “Nene” Alegado.
Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino was also present at the kick-off. | via EHP
GOV. GWEN WITH SENATORIAL ASPIRANTS
The One Barili, One Cebu slate, led by incumbent Barili Mayor Pablo John "John-John" Garcia IV, is seeking reelection with the support of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, vice governor aspirant and Provincial Board Member Glenn Soco, and Ako Bisaya Second Nominee Carissa Garcia.
Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, Ramon “Bong” Revilla, and senatorial aspirants Benhur Abalos and Manny Pacquiao also graced the kick-off event.
The One Cebu party’s 2025 local elections campaign kicked off with a Mass celebration at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Ana in the town of Barili, Southern Cebu, on Friday morning, March 28, 2025. | via EHP
GARCIA ENDORSES TOLENTINO, REVILLA, PACQUIAO, ABALOS
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia endorsed the candidacies of Senator Francis Tolentino, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, and senatorial aspirants Benhur Abalos and Manny Pacquiao during the kick-off of the One Cebu Party 2025 local election campaign in Sibonga, southern Cebu, on Friday, March 28, 2025. | via EHP
TEAM ALAYON-TEAM BACALTOS-LAUDE SLATE
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia endorsed the bid of the Team Alayon-Team Bacaltos-Laude slate, led by Sibonga mayoral aspirant Caroline Bacaltos and incumbent Mayor Mariano Laude as the vice mayoral candidate, during One Cebu's opening salvo in Sibonga town on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Also part of the slate are Cebu First District Board Member candidates Neneth Reluya and Jojo Bacaltos, along with vice gubernatorial aspirant and Provincial Board Member Glenn Soco, Cebu First District Representative Rhea Gullas, Ako Bisaya First Nominee Sonny Lagon, and Second Nominee Carissa Garcia. | via EHP
ONE DALAGUETE SLATE
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia endorsed the One Dalaguete slate, led by incumbent Mayor Ronnie Cesante and Cebu Second District Representative Edsel Galeos, along with vice governor aspirant and Provincial Board Member Glenn Soco, Cebu First District Representative Rhea Gullas, Ako Bisaya First Nominee Sonny Lagon, and Second Nominee Carissa Garcia during the One Cebu Party campaign kick-off in Dalaguete, southern Cebu, on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla and senatorial aspirants Benhur Abalos and Manny Pacquiao also joined the event. | via EHP
USWAG MALABUYOC
Team Edang of Uswag Malabuyoc slate led by incumbent Malabuyoc Mayor Edang Piedad endorsed by One Cebu Party standard bearer by reelectionist Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Governor aspirant and Provincial Board Member Glenn Soco, Ako Bisaya First Nominee Sonny Lagon, and Second Nominee Carissa Garcia Friday, March 28, 2025.
One Cebu party’s 2025 local elections campaign kicked off with a day-long motorcade traversing to at least 16 towns in southern Cebu.
Garcia and her slate held proclamation rally from Barili, Sibonga, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander, Samboan, and Ginatilan. | via EHP