Cebu City councilors set aside differences

CEBU, Philippines — Despite political rivalries and intense debates on the council floor, Cebu City officials running for re-election in the 2025 midterm polls set aside their differences—at least for now—offering each other well-wishes as the city heads to the polls today.

This gesture of civility was most evident during the final session of the 16th Sangguniang Panlungsod last Wednesday, where most of the councilors—many of whom are seeking re-election—shared messages of goodwill, signaling a temporary pause in political friction as the election approaches.

Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer Donaldo Hontiveros, before adjourning the session, extended “a best of luck” to his fellow candidates.

Asked to expound on this, Hontiveros told The Freeman that as they anticipate possible changes among them depending on the outcome of the elections, he could only hope that the council will continue to have “openness and cooperation.”

Hontiveros, who is running for the vice mayoral race, assured that if he is voted into office, he will continue to work with each councilor regardless of political affiliation.

“Now more than ever, our city needs unity, vision, and a genuine commitment to public service,” said Hontiveros.

In another message, Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos, who is running for North District representative, reflected on the journey that the council has taken together.

She admitted it was a season filled with “challenges, discussions which are sometimes intense” but ultimately led to decisions that shaped the city.

With different perspectives, de los Santos urged the council to acknowledge the spirit of collaboration that has defined their time together.

“In the world of politics, it’s easy to get caught up in the divisions that separate us. But I believe that here, in our city council, we have demonstrated that it is possible to work together for the greater good, even when sometimes we don’t see each other eye to eye,” she said.

For Councilor Joel Garganera, who is also seeking re-election, he looked back on their legislative journey and said this batch of councilors had a “really good run.”

As chair of the Committee on Environment and Disaster of the City Council, Garganera highlighted how they were able to propose and pass various ordinances and resolutions relating to the environment and disaster risk prevention and reduction.

Councilor Jaypee Labella, who is seeking a second term, reminisced on how his first term as councilor taught him broader perspectives. He credited his growth as a legislator to his fellow councilmen who, according to him, taught and helped him.

Councilor Philip Zafra commended the council members for their hard work in passing ordinances he had proposed. He named a few, including measures geared toward improving the city’s services, such as the Food Security Ordinance, the Cebu City ID Ordinance, and the Botika sa Barangay Ordinance.

“Despite our political differences, we always put to fore the interest of the city and her people,” Zafra recalled.

The council’s majority floor leader, Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, simply wished everyone “well,” while Councilor Rey Gealon offered a prayer for his fellow candidates, hoping for a peaceful election.

This year, two council members are vying for the highest seat in Cebu City’s local government. One is minority floor leader Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., who is running as the standard bearer of Bando Osmeña–Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).

The other is sitting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, who assumed the role after his predecessor and estranged political ally, former Mayor Michael Rama, was dismissed from government service in October 2024.

Rama and Garcia ran as a tandem in the 2022 elections and both won as mayor and vice mayor, respectively, under the coalition of Partido Barug.

Now, Garcia is running for mayor as the standard bearer of Kugi Uswag Sugbo (KUSUG), which is in coalition with Partido Panaghiusa, while Rama remains the standard bearer of Partido Barug.

Currently, only incumbent Councilors Joy Augustus Young and Jerry Guardo are not running for any government post in this election.

While today’s election is expected to yield winners by the end of the day or by tomorrow morning at the latest, the terms of the current council members will not end until June. (CEBU NEWS)