Council to honor outgoing members in final session

CEBU, Philippines — As the 16th Sangguniang Panlungsod prepares to hold its final session on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Cebu City’s outgoing councilors—including those who have completed three full terms—will be formally honored for their service.

Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, who also serves as the Presiding Officer of the Cebu City Council, confirmed the recognition ceremony. Hontiveros himself will also take a bow during the session.

According to him, plaques have been prepared for councilors completing their three terms, as well as for all outgoing members. During the same session, Hontiveros is scheduled to deliver his privilege speech.

Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, the council’s majority floor leader, will also give her own privilege address.

Hontiveros, who assumed the post of vice mayor and presiding officer, is no stranger to leading the council. Before the 2022 elections, he had already stepped into the role after the passing of then-Mayor Edgardo Labella, which led then–Vice Mayor Michael Rama to become mayor.

As the top-ranking councilor at the time, Hontiveros automatically took over as presiding officer. A similar transition occurred more recently, when Rama was dismissed from government service after being found guilty of nepotism, prompting then–Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to ascend to the mayorship.

Looking back, Hontiveros said he feels grateful for the opportunity to work with the 16th Cebu City Council.

“Daghan kaayo ko nakat-on and even during the 15th SP na 1st time ko ni preside kay they were helping me,” said Hontiveros.

He told The Freeman that among the moments he will never forget were the special sessions convened to address urgent needs following the typhoon in December 2021.

As he prepares to exit the council, Hontiveros said he takes pride in the personal and professional growth he experienced while rising into roles he had not initially sought.

“Maka ingon gyud ko that I have grown in many ways — both personally and professionally,” he said.

He highlighted his growth in leadership, particularly in “listening intently and leading with fairness.” He said the role of presiding officer taught him the importance of providing space for diverse voices while keeping discussions respectful, productive, and orderly.

The experience also deepened his appreciation for consensus-building. Despite politics often appearing divisive, Hontiveros said the council showed him that progress is possible when members set aside personal interests and focus on the public good.

“That is something I will carry with me, even beyond my time as member and Presiding Officer,” he said.

Hontiveros failed to clinch the vice mayoral post in the recent midterm elections. He ran alongside

Rama, who lost to Mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr. Archival, currently the council’s minority floor leader, will also be stepping down from the council.

The new City Council will include returning councilors Edgardo “Jaypee” Labella, Pastor Jun Alcover, Francis Esparis, Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa, Philip Zafra, and Joel Garganera.

Councilors who failed in their reelection bids include James Anthony Cuenco, Pesquera, Renato Osmeña, Rey Gealon, and Noel Wenceslao.

Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos will also not be returning after losing her congressional race. Ex-officio Councilor Franklyn Ong will continue to serve as Liga ng mga Barangay president after also failing to win the same congressional seat.

Councilor Joy Young is also set to exit the council. — (FREEMAN)