Glenn Soco, Team Mandaue winners take oath of office

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Vice Governor-elect Glenn Soco officially took his oath of office yesterday in a ceremony held in Barangay Labogon, Mandaue City — the very place where his public service journey began where he was once the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman.

This, as Team Mandaue winners led by Mandaue City Vice Mayor-elect Glenn Bercede also took their oaths of office in a separate ceremony yesterday.

Soco, who has made it a tradition to take his oath before the Barangay Chairman of Labogon, said the act is deeply symbolic and personal to him.

“It’s the barangay where I grew up, and where I got the chance to serve as SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) Chairman,” Soco shared in a phone interview.

The oath-taking was administered by Labogon Barangay Captain Helbert Nejana. Soci was joined by his family, friends, and some supporters.

The oath-taking in his home barangay is continuing a custom of Soco.

"It's really my tradition in my stint in public service in 2019 and in 2022, i always take my oath in front of the Punong Barangay in my home barangay in Labogon, Mandaue City," he said.

As he stepped into his new role, Soco said he is preparing for a busy first 100 days, particularly in organizing the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

With a mix of returning and new board members, plus the addition of two more seats, the body will now have 20 members, including the vice governor.

One of his initial projects would  include the establishment of a service lounge for barangay workers visiting the capitol.

“Para ig-adto sila, naa sila'y place where they can sit, eat, and stay,” he said.

Soco also vowed to preside over the passage of meaningful legislation that will support key programs in the province.

His legislative agenda includes improvements in healthcare, livelihood, infrastructure, job creation, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“We want to work closely with the incoming administration to align with existing and upcoming programs. Any support coming from the Office of the Vice Governor or the legislative department will be extended,” he said.

With his oath now behind him, Soco is set to formally assume his duties at the Capitol on July 1 focusing on strengthening legislative services and forging a "collaborative" relationship with the provincial executive.

In the 2025 midterm elections, Soco secured a decisive victory with 923,250 votes, outpacing Joselito Ruiz, who garnered 351,382 votes.

Meanwhile, the winning candidates from the Team Mandaue slate were officially sworn into office yesterday, at the Mandaue City Session Hall, with Court of Appeals (CA) Justice Marilyn B. Lagura-Yap administering the oath.

Leading the group was Vice Mayor-elect Glenn Bercede.

Bercede, who currently serves as city mayor, officially returned to the legislative branch through yesterday’s ceremony.

“Back to work na, balik ko pagka-Vice Mayor,” said Bercede.

He expressed optimism about working alongside the new administration, following the victory of Mayor-elect Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, and emphasized his desire to promote a harmonious relationship between the legislative and executive branches.

Bercede also expressed hope that Ouano, as the incoming chief executive, will continue the programs and projects initiated by former mayor Jonas Cortes.

Ouano and Bercede once served together as board members of Cebu’s Sixth District, giving them prior experience working alongside each other.

Additionally, Bercede responded positively to Ouano’s earlier call for unity in leading the city. He said he is 100 percent in agreement with Ouano’s call.

“Ang akoa gyud nga we will always support kung unsay kaayuhan sa syudad, wagtangon na ang political differences,” said Bercede.

He further said that the rivalries that emerged during the election, particularly between political clans, should now be set aside so everyone can work together for the people.

Bercede also called on Mandauehanons to support the newly elected officials so that the city’s plans for a better future can be realized.

Re-elected councilors Jennifer Del Mar, Immaline Cortes-Zafra, Jimmy Lumapas, and Jun Arcilla were also sworn into office.

In addition, new councilors Carlo Fortuna and Kevin Cabahug took their oaths. Cabahug assumed the position as a substitute candidate following the passing of his mother, former councilor Editha Cabahug.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Sanchez, one of the first two elected members of the Lone District Board, also took his oath during the ceremony.

In an interview yesterday afternoon, Sanchez said that transitioning from the city council to the provincial board presents a “new challenge.”

However, he said the good governance practices he implemented in Mandaue City, especially in the field of education, will now be brought to the Cebu Provincial Government.

Sanchez currently chairs Mandaue City’s Committee on Education and has long advocated for a strong educational foundation for students.

He added that if given the opportunity to chair a committee in the Provincial Board, he would love to head the education committee, building on his seven years of experience leading the same in the city.

Sanchez said that he is setting aside politics and is ready to work hand in hand with fellow Board Member-elect Olin Seno of One Mandaue.

“Regardless of which political party you came from, we have to work together for the good of the city of Mandaue,” Sanchez said. — (FREEMAN)