Cebu’s prominent clans win big

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu’s prominent families are on the road to retaining, if not expanding, their spheres of influence after winning their respective candidacies in the May 9, 2022 elections.

The Chans will now have a tighter grip of Lapu-Lapu City after Cindi King-Chan, wife of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, won as representative of the city’s lone district. Ahong also won a fresh mandate as city mayor.

In the First District, Rhea Gullas, wife of Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, won a seat in the House of Representatives after running unopposed. Samsam, for his part, was reelected as city mayor.

Liloan Mayor Christina Garcia-Frasco and husband, Fifth District Rep. Duke Frasco, also succeeded in their respective bids for reelection. Duke’s cousin, Councilor Aljew Frasco, was elected vice mayor of Liloan.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Christina’s mother, also won a reelection, as well as Gwen’s brother, Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia.

John-John Garcia, a nephew of the governor, was also elected as the new mayor of Barili town.

The Lagon family also won big in the last elections: incumbent Ako Bisaya Rep. Sonny Lagon is already assured of one seat in Congress; his wife, Daphne, was elected as the new representative of Sixth District; and their twin sons – Lorenz and Larenz – were elected as number one councilor in Tuburan town and number two councilor in Cordova town, respectively.

The Ouanos of Mandaue City also made a strong showing: Sixth District Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon won as the first-ever representative of Mandaue City’s lone district; her brothers, incumbent Sixth District Provincial Board Member Thadeo Jonkie Ouano and Consolacion Councilor Alfie Ouano won fresh mandates; Ouano-Dizon’s husband, Nixon “Jojo” Dixon, is poised to get a seat as one of the nominees of Agimat Partylist; and nephew Anjong Icalina-Ouano was reelected as Mandaue councilor.

Though Ace Durano failed in his bid to snatch the governorship and Red Durano also lost to Frasco, incumbent Danao City Vice Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano was elected as the new city mayor, while sister Ivy and cousin Monching were elected as city councilors.

Durano patriarch, incumbent Danao City Mayor Ramonito Durano, was elected as the new vice mayor of the city.

Former Tuburan mayor Aljun Diamante will also be back in that post after running unopposed.

His brother, Danny, the incumbent town mayor was elected as the new vice mayor while their younger brother, Wilfredo, was elected as number two councilor in Tuburan.

Incumbent Fourth District Provincial Board Member Kerrie Keane Shimura was also reelected to the post. So was her husband, incumbent Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura.

Shimura’s half-sister, Marvi Loot-Pinos, was also elected councilor of Daanbantayan.

Fourth District Rep. Janice Salimbangon also won another term; her stepson, Councilor Edward Francis Salimbangon, was elected mayor of Tabogon; and her nephew, Harold Salimbangon, was elected councilor of Medellin.

Francis’ sister, Daphne Salimbangon, lost her mayoralty bid in Bogo City.

Carmen Mayor Carlo Villamor was likewise reelected while his brother, Councilor Martin Gerard Villamor, was elected vice mayor. Mike Villamor was also elected Provincial Board member representing the Fifth District. — Gregg M. Rubio, JMD (FREEMAN)