Mandaue eyes Davide as consultant

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Government is set to appoint former Cebu vice governor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III as a consultant to the city administration.

Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano and Davide share a long-standing professional relationship, having served together on the Cebu Provincial Board beginning in 2016.

During that period, Davide served as Cebu vice governor, while Ouano represented Cebu’s 6th District as a provincial board member before eventually becoming mayor of Mandaue City.

In an interview yesterday, June 5, 2026, City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on said the city government has yet to finalize Davide’s specific role and responsibilities.

However, he noted that Davide’s extensive experience in provincial governance is expected to contribute significantly to the city’s programs and policy initiatives.

“The mayor feels comfortable and iyang tan-aw makatabang pud niya sa mga advices ba as a senior leader,” Malig-on said, citing Davide’s experience as both governor and vice governor of Cebu.

According to the city administrator, the local government is considering appointing Davide as an adviser or consultant on political affairs and policy matters.

“More or less ingon ana ang direction,” Malig-on said.

He added that discussions are ongoing regarding the terms of Davide’s engagement, although the focus is expected to revolve around policy development and political affairs.

Malig-on emphasized that Davide’s qualifications make him well-suited for the role.

“Walay maka question sa experience and competence ni former governor and former vice governor Davide,” Malig-on said.

“He actually suits Mandaue because he lives in Mandaue,” he added, noting that Davide has relatives living in the city.

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Mayor Ouano shared details of Davide’s visit to City Hall on his social media page.

In his post, Ouano reflected on their years of working together at the Cebu Provincial Capitol and recalled the support he received from Davide despite being a member of the opposition.

“Dili nako makalimtan nga pag-sulod nako sa Provincial Board niadtong 2016, bisan usa ko sa opposition board members at the time, he never made me feel isolated,” Ouano wrote.

“Instead, he treated me with respect and professionalism, something I have always appreciated throughout our nine years together in the Cebu Provincial Government,” he added.

The mayor also expressed optimism about working with Davide in the Mandaue City Government.

“Looking forward to working with you once again, this time here in the City of Mandaue,” the mayor wrote.

To recall, Davide ran for representative of Cebu’s 2nd District in the 2025 midterm elections but was defeated by incumbent Congressman Edsel Galeos.