16 new, 9 returning mayors in Cebu Province

CEBU, Philippines —  The May 2022 elections produced at least 14 first time mayors in Cebu Province, according to data from the Comelec transparency server.

The first time mayors include Rajiv Enad of Minglanilla; Mytha Canoy of San Fernando; Jojie Derama of Boljoon; Emerito Calderon, Jr. of Samboan; Dana Andrew Dumdum of Asturias; Jecjec Baricuatro of Pinamungajan; John-john Garcia of Barili; Francis Salimbangon of Tabogon; Alfonso Pestolante of San Remigio; Romeo Villaceran of Madridejos; Felijur Quino of Compostela; Mix Durano of Danao City; Avis Monleon of Catmon; Cesar Suan of Cordova; Roy Vincent Singco of Ginatilan; and Edang Piedad of Malabuyoc.

While it was only in the May 9, 2022 polls that he was elected officially, Calderon has experienced being mayor when he assumed the post when his father, Emerito Calderon, Sr., passed away in 2020.

The others first time mayors served either as vice mayor or councilor in the past.

Meanwhile, nine mayors have returned to the post, after sliding down either as vice mayor or councilor in recent years.

These include Val Chiong of Naga City; Patrick Barcenas of Carcar City; Ronald Allan Cesante of Dalaguete; Ace Binghay of Balamban; Ronald Guaren of Oslob; Aljun Diamante of Tuburan; Lissa Marie Durano-Streegan of Sogod; Gilberto Magallon of Alegria; and Inocentes Cabaron of Moalboal.

The rest of the mayors in the province are incumbent and are re-elected into office. Mayors in the ‘Tri-cities’ of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu have also been re-elected, namely Michael Rama, Jonas Cortes, and Junard Chan, respectively.

The three are considered as independent cities, although Mandaue City, based on its charter, can vote for governor and board members.

At least 2,310,339 votes were cast or a voter turnout of 87 percent in Cebu Province in the May 9 polls.

The tandem of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte won in Cebu. – JMO (FREEMAN)