Cebu lawmakers, mayors among nation’s top trusted leaders

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu’s district representatives and city mayors have emerged among the country’s most trusted and top-performing officials in the latest survey for the first quarter of 2026.

Rep. Emmarie “Lollipop” Ouano-Dizon of Mandaue City led Cebu’s delegation with an IOG score of 87.34%, placing her in the second national tier. Rep. Junard “Ahong” Chan of Lapu-Lapu City followed with 86.41%, while Rep. Rhea Gullas of Cebu’s 1st District posted 85.08%.

Rep. Daphne Lagon of Cebu’s 6th District registered 83.93%, Rep. Edu Rama of Cebu City’s 2nd District scored 83.15%, and Rep. Karen Garcia of Cebu’s 3rd District rounded out the list with 80.55%.

On the mayoral side, Mandaue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano (86.84%), Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas (86.63%), and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi Chan (86.23%) were ranked in the second national cluster of most trusted city mayors.

Their inclusion highlights Cebu’s strong presence in both legislative and executive governance rankings.

The “Boses ng Bayan” Index of Governance (IOG) released by the RPMD Foundation Inc., conducted in April 2026, interviewed 5,000 registered voters nationwide across socioeconomic classes.

Respondents evaluated their leaders based on legislative performance, district representation, constituent service, and governance delivery. The IOG consolidates trust and performance ratings into a single measure of public confidence.

RPMD Executive Director Dr. Paul Martinez said the results reflect “the direct judgment of constituents who experience the quality of representation, leadership and public service delivered in their districts.”

He added that high ratings serve as both recognition of accomplishments and a challenge for officials to sustain trust and improve governance.

Nationally, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos topped the congressional rankings with an IOG of 89.43%, followed by Isabela Rep. Bojie Dy (88.99%) and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco (88.70%).

Among city mayors, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte led the list with 88.73%, joined by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson (88.45%), Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo (88.08%), Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval (88.02%), and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco (87.78%). — /LPM (FREEMAN)