FORMER Davao City First District Representative Karlo Nograles, who is challenging former President Rodrigo Duterte for the mayoralty, promised a range of reforms if elected.
Speaking at his miting de avance on Saturday, May 10, 2025, near Diho Subdivision in Buhangin District, Nograles outlined his priorities, which include healthcare, livelihood, peace and order, and social services.
He pledged to provide at least ₱25,000 in medical assistance to residents in need, along with free school supplies and uniforms for students.
"We'll have to ensure that kung unsa tong mga priorities nato, hopefully masuportaan ta na mao pud to ato i-prioritize (We must ensure that our priorities truly reflect the needs of the people)," Nograles said in a brief interview. He added that his platform was shaped through community consultations conducted by his team.
"Kumbaga i-noise out lang natin kung anong gusto ng tao na maramdaman na serbisyong makuha sa local government natin (We simply voiced what people said they wanted from the local government)," Nograles said.
'Up to the voters'
Nograles said the outcome of the May 12 elections will ultimately depend on the public.
"It's up to the voter's, voter's decision nato. Naikot naman natin lahat ng barangays. Na-voice out na natin lahat ng mga plataporma at plano natin para sa Davao City (It’s up to the voters. We’ve visited every barangay and shared our platform and plans for Davao City)," he said.
He is also rallying support for his party’s local slate, including incumbent Vice Mayor Bernie Al-ag, who is running for re-election, and his sister, PBA Representative Margarita Ignacia "Migs" Nograles-Almario, who is vying for First District representative.
On FPRRD's candidacy
Asked about the possibility of Rodrigo Duterte winning the race despite his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Nograles admitted uncertainty.
"If it happens, what's next? Kahit ako, as a lawyer, maraming legal questions that might be legally asked considering this is a unique situation, at the very least (If it happens, what’s next? Even as a lawyer, there are many legal questions. This is a unique situation)," Nograles said.
Nograles served in Duterte’s Cabinet from 2018 to 2022, holding positions such as Cabinet Secretary and acting Presidential Spokesperson. He later chaired the Civil Service Commission until his resignation in October 2024.
Al-ag slams the current Davao City leadership
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Bernie Al-ag criticized the current Davao City administration for failing to address long-standing issues, particularly the slow processing of business permits, flooding, inefficient public transport, and waste management.
Without naming names, Al-ag highlighted the overwhelming capacity of the sanitary landfill in Barangay New Carmen, calling it a sign of poor planning.
He also hit the limited cash assistance under the Lingap sa Mahirap program and the lack of support for small businesses.
"Naa bay solusyon gihatag ang City Hall? Wala (Has City Hall provided any solutions? None)," he said.
Once an ally of the Dutertes, Al-ag revealed a falling out with Mayor Sebastian Duterte. He has since distanced himself from the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL) party, expressing disappointment over the city's current leadership. RGL
