Comelec-7 boosts monitoring amid political rivalries

CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec-7) has heightened its monitoring efforts in four areas of Cebu due to “intense political rivalry” among local candidates ahead of the May 2025 elections.

Comelec-7 Regional Director Atty. Francisco Pobe said their monitoring is focused on Cebu City, Mandaue City, as well as the 2nd and 4th districts of Cebu Province.

“Looking at the contending candidates, their political backgrounds that cater to close political rivalry among themselves in vying for the positions they aspired,” said Pobe.

However, Pobe clarified that these four areas are not yet classified as “areas of concern” but are instead under “areas of monitoring.”

“It’s not because nga there are squabbles of political supremacy over it but we look at it in the level that the people will be able to freely participate without any issue of threat and intimidation,” Pobe explained.

New political alliances have emerged in Cebu City, bringing familiar names together but with new allies.

One such alliance is between former Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, leader of Partido Barug, and Franklyn Ong of BagOng Sugbo.

Ong, who was previously aligned with the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), will be running for congressman in Cebu City’s North District.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival and former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña will be running as BOPK’s candidates for mayor and vice mayor, respectively.

Moreover, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and former Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) chairman Jose Daluz III, both former allies of Rama, have formed their own coalition—merging the KUSUG and Panaghiusa parties.

Additionally, former Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz is set to run under Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL), while 57-year-old taxi driver Abdon Alcontin Verdida has also expressed his intent to join the mayoral race.

In Mandaue City, Cebu Provincial Board Member Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano of the One Mandaue slate is challenging Team Mandaue’s dismissed Mayor Jonas Cortes in the mayoral race.

Ouano's sister, Mandaue City Lone District Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, who is seeking reelection, will be challenged by former Mandaue City Treasurer Atty. Regal Oliva.

In the 2nd District, Cebu Provincial Vice Governor Hilario Davide III will face off against reelectionist Congressman Edsel Galeos of LAKAS-CMD.

Comelec-7 is also closely monitoring the 4th District, where incumbent Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura is running for congressman against Rep. Janice Salimbangon of the National Unity Party (NUP).

Ensuring a peaceful election

Despite the political tension, Pobe said Central Visayas remains generally peaceful in terms of armed confrontation and election-related violence. However, he emphasized the need for vigilance.

“Kaning generally peaceful we have to look at it and not be complacent of it kay by the start of the campaign period, diha man mo start ang geographical concept sa political arena,” said Pobe.

To address potential security concerns, the regional director has vowed to deploy additional personnel to areas with heightened political competition.

“We provide representation of all sectors to monitor election activity so that everything will be covered and acted upon and addressed with resolve,” he added.

Comelec-7 is also working closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to conduct threat assessments and implement security measures.

According to PCol. Arvie Aserre Paraon-Bueno, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-7, security preparations are being tailored to the needs of each area.

A Regional Security Meeting has also been conducted to strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies.

Comelec-7 is appealing to the public to stay vigilant and actively monitor election activities to ensure transparency and fairness.

Pobe also reminded all candidates to adhere to election laws and avoid engaging in any form of electoral misconduct.

“For candidates, let us follow and observe election policies and rules, and let the voters decide whom they will vote for without resorting to means inconsistent with Comelec laws,” he said. – ATO (CEBU NEWS)