Siblings fight for mayor in Sogod and Tabuelan

CEBU, Philippines — Two towns in Cebu will have siblings fighting for the same position this coming May 2025 midterm elections.

In Sogod town northern Cebu, actor Thaddeus “DJ” Durano Jr. will be vying for the mayoral post in Sogod town against his sister incumbent Mayor Lissa Marie “Monyeen” Durano-Streegan.

DJ Durano will be running under the Durano-led BarugAlang Sa Kauswagan Ug Demokrasya (BAKUD) party, while Durano-Streegan for One Cebu party led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Although he will be running against his sister, DJ Durano said he wants to play fair.

“Let’s just go through with the election. Magpiniliay man ta. I won't say anything bad about her. All love, all love,” said DJ when asked about running against Durano-Streegan.

DJ Durano said that what prompted him to run was knowing that his town needed “change.”

“I think it’s about time, it’s the right time for me para sa kausaban. Kung ang BAKUD is for kausaban, then I think it’s the right time for change,” said Durano.

“I can serve the people well, I have lots of…my platforms are very valid and sa akong pantan-aw mas need gyud nato ang pagtagad sa mga yanong Sogoranon, sa mga tao sa Sogod, which has been left behind for years now,” Durano added.

Despite being a newcomer in the political arena, he expressed that as a Durano, his calling is to serve the people with a commitment to good governance.

“This is my first time but of course, I think it’s in my bloodline and if it’s in your blood you only need heart, and politics is not a... sa giingon nila, lisod kuno ang politika, imong kinahanglan kasing-kasing para sa tao,” said DJ Durano.

He shared that one of his platforms is to provide residents in Sogod with affordable water.

“Importante kanang water gyud, I think water is life for Sogod which has been the problem for so many years. Mao gyud na ang atong ihatag no, tubig,” said Durano.

He shared that he will address the residents' concerns regarding high water and electricity rates, as well as complete the construction of unfinished road projects in Sogod town.

“So ato nang i-align with the Danao City governance,” Durano said.

In addition to being a first-time political candidate, Durano acknowledged his background as an actor. However, he assured that his love and concern for the constituents will enable him to serve the Sogoranons more effectively.

“Wag nating maliitin ang pagiging artista, I think it’s just on how artists will talagang show to the people on how you would love to serve them. I think that’s the bottomline, service for the people,” Durano stressed.

DJ is the nephew of incumbent Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, who is running again as Danao City Mayor. DJ’s father, Thadeo “Deo” Durano is Nito’s brother.

DJ further shared that there a lot people were surprised when they knew that he is a Cebuano. He clarified that he grew up, stayed, and even studied in Cebu.

He said that it was not publicized but he said that he often went home to Sogod with his father who was the former mayor of the town.

“So that will be clear for everyone nga si DJ Durano usa ka Bisaya, usa ka talagang Bisdak gyud,” Durano clarified.

Tabuelan Town

Meanwhile in the town of Tabuelan, incumbent Vice Mayor Rex Casiano Gerona is running for mayor against his brother, the current Mayor Raul Gerona.

In a long Facebook post, Vice Mayor Gerona explained his decision to run, wherein he said he wants his constituents to have another option to vote for in the upcoming 2025 midterm polls.

"Ang ako pagdagan mohatag kaninyo ug option kung kinsa inyo ganahan magdumala sa ato Lungsod. Maka komparar naman mo kay puros naman kami nakalingkod isip inyo Mayor," he said.

Aside from having an option for the midterm elections, VM Gerona also revealed that he and his brother have a conflict that led to his decision to run against the mayor.

He also stated that the mayor has treated some municipal employees poorly, which is one of the reasons he wishes to return to the position and ensure that all employees are treated well.

"Usa sad rason sa ako pagdagan nga makatabang ko sa gi lisod-lisod nga mga empleyado sa munisipyo. Nalooy kaayo ko sa iyang gibuhat karon nila Alwin Cole ug Donatila Castellanes. Murag gi-priso sa usa ka bakante nga kwarto ug karon gibalhin sa usa ka lugar nga init kaayo ug dili pwede modala ug electric fan," Vice Mayor Gerona said.

"Dili sad pwede modala ug cellphone. Dili makatao ang iyang pagtratar sa maong mga empleyado nga dugay na kaayo meserbisyo sa ato lungsod," he added.

Rex will be running alongside another one of their siblings, Dr. Rose Gerona- Suezo, who will be his vice mayor. — (FREEMAN)