Senatorial bets for May 2025 polls begin rounds in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  Six months before the May 2025 elections, candidates vying for a national position are already making their presence felt in vote-rich Cebu Province.

In just a week, five senatoriables courted Cebu’s local officials: former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, reelectionists Senators Francis “Tol” Tolentino and Pia Cayetano, as well as former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.

On November 25, 2024, ABC Cebu City President Franklin Ong and local officials rolled out the red carpet for Singson.

With nearly 100 percent attendance from Cebu City’s barangay leaders, the turnout underscored Singson’s growing appeal in the region.

Singson, who has a long track record in both public service and business, presented his key platform initiatives, which include the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, the VBank initiative, and his proposed Chavit500 Universal Basic Income. These proposals aim to bring lasting change to the transport sector and help address poverty on a national scale.

The VBank Digital Bank Card, which seeks to modernize access to banking, and the promotion of innovative electric vehicles for public transportation were warmly received by Cebu's transport cooperatives.

Singson emphasized how these programs would not only modernize public transport but also drive economic growth nationwide.

Later in the day, Singson visited Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, who referred to him as “Chavit the Legend,” citing his impact on both national and international circles.

On November 26, 2024, Senator Tolentino urged Cebu’s barangay captains and local officials to focus on serving their respective communities and not get distracted by the ongoing conflicts among national government officials.

Tolentino, who attended the 2024 Liga ng mga Barangay Cebu Province Year-End Assembly, said they should focus on governance and not be affected by toxic politics in the way they perform as barangay captains.

ABC-Cebu Province President Celestino “Tining” Martinez reminded the barangay captains to focus on their jobs and not meddle in national politics.

Later in the evening, Governor Garcia made a commitment to at least 900 barangay captains who attended the event, promising that each of their offices would receive P300,000 in aid from the provincial government to fund infrastructure projects in their barangays.

The governor asked the barangay captains to prioritize projects that would have a lasting impact on the people, as the assistance is intended for the community.

On November 28, 2024, at the Philippine Councilors League-Cebu Provincial Federation Year-End Assembly, Senator Cayetano emphasized the crucial role of local legislators in shaping policies that directly affect communities.

“In all the issues I faced in the Senate, I always say, unsa ang effect sa mga barangay?” Cayetano shared, reminding the councilors to always prioritize public welfare in their decision-making.

Cayetano also underlined how local legislators are often the first point of contact for constituents.

"From councilors to mayors to senators, our constituents come to us for medical assistance," she said, acknowledging the shared responsibility of public servants in addressing healthcare needs.

Further, both former Senators Aquino and Pangilinan, at the same events, expressed their gratitude and support for Cebu’s local leaders, with Pangilinan citing their vital role as the first line of defense in public service.

Aquino, the author of the free college education law, likewise stressed his advocacy for education.

Governor Garcia, who graced the event attended by over 600 councilors in the province, also announced that all those present would receive an allocation of P300,000 from the Provincial Government to fund their infrastructure projects.

“Importante gyod kaayo nga magkahiusa, kay kon magsige na lang tag lalis sa konseho, dili gyod ta ani makapadayon sa atong tinguha,” Garcia said in her speech.

The governor was welcomed by PCL Cebu Provincial Federation president and Provincial Board Member Ricardo “Kuya Nick” Pepito.

Pepito, in his welcome message, said that their commitment is to set one goal: to uphold the general welfare of their constituents and the Cebuanos.

“Your commitment matters. Your commitment inspires good governance. Your commitment is valuable, vital, and important. Here in Cebu, we are raising the bar of public service because we deliver excellent service. Let us not put an end to our successes and achievements,” added the reelectionist councilor of Toledo City.

Also present during the event were Cebu Vice Governor Hilario Davide III, Cebu Sixth District Representative Daphne Lagon, Ako Bisaya Partylist First Nominee Carissa Garcia, Board Members Glenn Soco, Kerrie Shimura, Raymond Calderon, Mike Villamor, Stanley Caminero, and Loren Singco.