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2025 Davao City local elections
Philippine elections
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Local elections were held in Davao City on May 12, 2025, as part of the 2025 Philippine general election. The city electorate elected a mayor, a vice mayor, 24 members of the Davao City Council, and three district representatives to the House of Representatives.
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May 12, 2025
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Mayoral election | |||||||||||||||||||
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Vice mayoral election | |||||||||||||||||||
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![](#/media/File:Sebastian_"Baste"_Z._Duterte_(04-11-2026).jpg)
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The elections were notable for featuring the political comeback of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was seeking to return to the post he had previously held for over 22 years, despite awaiting trial in The Hague for crimes against humanity for his role in the Philippine drug war.
Background
Davao City, the largest city in Mindanao, the third most populous urban center in the Philippines and the largest city by land area, has been ruled by the Duterte family for most of the past four decades. The city has served as the political base for the dynasty since the first post-EDSA elections in 1988, when Rodrigo Duterte was first elected city mayor.
The 2025 elections mark a significant political development as incumbent mayor Sebastian Duterte chose not to seek reelection, instead running for vice mayor. This decision paved the way for his father, the former president, to seek a return to City Hall after serving as president from 2016 to 2022.
After Duterte's arrest by the International Criminal Court in March 2025, the Commission on Elections stated that Duterte could still be proclaimed as mayor in absentia should he win the mayoral race, even if he is still in detention at The Hague, Netherlands. The Department of the Interior and Local Government will decide if Duterte has the capability to fulfill his role while in detention overseas.[1]
Electoral system
Local elections in the Philippines are held every second Monday of May, every three years starting in 1992. Single-seat positions (mayor, vice mayor and district representative) are elected via first-past-the-post-voting. The mayor and vice mayor are elected by the city at-large, while the House representative and city councilors are elected per district.
City council elections are done via plurality block voting; for the Davao City Council, the city is divided into three districts, with each district sending eight councilors. There are two other ex officio seats representing the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation and the Association of Barangay Captains; these will be determined later following the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Candidates
Administration coalition
| Position | # | Candidate | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | 2. | Rodrigo Duterte | Hugpong | |
| Vice mayor | 3. | Sebastian Duterte | Hugpong | |
| 1st district representative | 1. | Paolo Duterte | Hugpong | |
| 1st district councilor | 2. | Luna Acosta | HNP | |
| 5. | Cookie Bonguyan | Hugpong | ||
| 6. | TJ Corsino | Hugpong | ||
| 10. | Rodrigo Duterte II | Hugpong | ||
| 13. | Ragde Niño Ibuyan | Hugpong | ||
| 16. | Pameng Librado | Hugpong | ||
| 18. | Bonz Militar | Hugpong | ||
| 19. | Tek Ocampo | Hugpong | ||
| 20. | Jesus Melchor Quitain Jr. | Hugpong | ||
| 2nd district representative | 2. | Omar Duterte | Hugpong | |
| 2nd district councilor | 1. | Ralph Opsima Abella | PDP | |
| 3. | Al Ryan Alejandre | Hugpong | ||
| 4. | Laude Apostol | PDP | ||
| 6. | Louie John Bonguyan | Hugpong | ||
| 7. | Nilo Cabiles | PDP | ||
| 8. | Nonong Cabling | PDP | ||
| 12. | Danilo Dayanghirang | Hugpong | ||
| 13. | Jonard Dayap | Hugpong | ||
| 14. | Jimmy Dureza | PDP | ||
| 18. | Che Che Justol | Hugpong | ||
| 19. | Diosdado Mahipus | Hugpong | ||
| 20. | Dayang Orcullo | PDP | ||
| 24. | Allan Simo-ag | PDP | ||
| 3rd district representative | 5. | Isidro Ungab | Hugpong | |
| 3rd district councilor | 1. | Sweet Advincula | Hugpong | |
| 3. | Jopet Baluran | Hugpong | ||
| 4. | Abay Bargamento | PDP | ||
| 8. | Bebot Clarion | PDP | ||
| 9. | Myrna Dalodo Ortiz | Hugpong | ||
| 15. | Rodolfo Mande | PDP | ||
| 22. | Petite Principe | Hugpong | ||
| 24. | Alberto Ungab | Hugpong | ||
| 25. | Enzo Villafuerte | PDP | ||
| 26. | Potpot Villafuerte | Hugpong | ||
| 27. | Rachel Zozobrado | Hugpong | ||
Opposition coalition
| Position | # | Candidate | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | 4. | Karlo Nograles | Independent | |
| Vice mayor | 1. | Bernard Al-ag | Independent | |
| 1st district representative | 5. | Migs Nograles | Independent | |
| 1st district councilor | 1. | Nilo Abellera Jr. | PFP | |
| 4. | Cherry Al-ag | Independent | ||
| 11. | Priscilla Galope | Lakas | ||
| 17. | Eking Liparanon | Lakas | ||
| 2nd district representative | 1. | Javi Garcia Campos | PFP | |
| 2nd district councilor | 5. | Janel Banzon | PFP | |
| 21. | Mac Quilaneta | Lakas | ||
| 23. | Pao Salvador | PFP | ||
| 3rd district representative | 1. | Wilberto Al-ag | Lakas | |
| 3rd district councilor | 2. | Momay Al-ag | Lakas | |
| 12. | Larry Franco | PFP | ||
| 20. | Jetjet Pantig | Independent | ||
Others
| Position | # | Name | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd district representative | 2. | Ruy Elias Lopez | PFP | |
| Position | # | Name | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | 3. | Jonathan Julaine | WPP | |
| Position | # | Name | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | 1. | Rod Cubos | Independent | |
| 5. | Joselito Tan | Independent | ||
| Vice mayor | 2. | Richard Alcebar | Independent | |
| 4. | Oyie Soriano-Barcena | Independent | ||
| 1st district representative | 2. | Janeth Jabines | Independent | |
| 3. | Rex Labis | Independent | ||
| 4. | Mags Maglana | Independent | ||
| 1st district councilor | 3. | Mary Jane Aguinaldo | Independent | |
| 7. | Archie Cubos | Independent | ||
| 8. | Kariz Cubos-Martinez | Independent | ||
| 9. | Jen-Jen Dulla | Independent | ||
| 12. | Franz Gonzales | Independent | ||
| 14. | Ojeng Jabines | Independent | ||
| 15. | Bong Javier | Independent | ||
| 21. | Alvin Roy | Independent | ||
| 22. | Antonette Sabes | Independent | ||
| 23. | Bitoy Villasis | Independent | ||
| 2nd district representative | 3. | Melogen Montesclaros | Independent | |
| 2nd district councilor | 2. | Mary Crystel Abrenica | Independent | |
| 9. | Venz Cañonera | Independent | ||
| 10. | Regidor Cortez | Independent | ||
| 11. | Keith Corton | Independent | ||
| 15. | Tony Emberda | Independent | ||
| 16. | Yang Felipas | Independent | ||
| 17. | Felochie Gencianos | Independent | ||
| 22. | Henry Respecia | Independent | ||
| 25. | Erwin Uy | Independent | ||
| 3rd district representative | ||||
| 3. | Lito Monreal | Independent | ||
| 4. | Dindo Plaza | Independent | ||
| 3rd district councilor | 5. | Ramil Fernando Brucal | Independent | |
| 6. | Michael Cabalhin | Independent | ||
| 7. | Ricky Castillote | Independent | ||
| 10. | Efren Desierto | Independent | ||
| 11. | Julie Leah Echalico | Independent | ||
| 13. | Daniel Guillen | Independent | ||
| 14. | Junrich Sumile Malolot | Independent | ||
| 16. | Manuel Mendoza | Independent | ||
| 17. | Carmela Merquita | Independent | ||
| 18. | Leonara Digna Naraval | Independent | ||
| 19. | Luis Narisma | Independent | ||
| 21. | Exequiel Placio | Independent | ||
| 23. | Rowena Soriano-Donato | Independent | ||
Mayoral election
Rodrigo Duterte was proclaimed winner of the mayoral election by COMELEC Davao City on May 13, 2025.[2] The commission does not require winning candidates to be present during the proclamation ceremony.[3] It remains unclear how will he fulfill his role while in detention overseas.[4][5]
Candidates
- Rod Cubos (Independent)
- Rodrigo Duterte (Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod), president of the Philippines (2016–2022) and mayor of Davao City (1988–1998, 2001–2010, 2013–2016)
- Jonathan Julaine (Workers' and Peasants' Party)
- Karlo Nograles (Independent), chair of Civil Service Commission (2022–2024) and 1st district representative (2010–2018)
- Joselito Tan (Independent)
Results
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodrigo Duterte | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 662,630 | 87.91 | |
| Karlo Nograles | Independent | 80,852 | 10.73 | |
| Rod Cubos | Independent | 7,757 | 1.03 | |
| Jonathan Julaine | Workers' and Peasants' Party | 1,351 | 0.18 | |
| Joselito Tan | Independent | 1,139 | 0.15 | |
| Total | 753,729 | 100.00 | ||
Vice mayoral election
Candidates
- Bernard Al-ag (Independent), incumbent city councilor from the 1st district (2022–present)
- Richard Alcebar (Independent)
- Sebastian Duterte (Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod), incumbent mayor of Davao City (2022–present)
- Oyie Soriano-Barcena (Independent)
Results
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastian Duterte | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 651,356 | 88.33 | |
| Bernard Al-ag | Independent | 78,893 | 10.70 | |
| Oyie Soriano-Barcena | Independent | 5,219 | 0.71 | |
| Richard Marcos Alcebar | Independent | 1,924 | 0.26 | |
| Total | 737,392 | 100.00 | ||
Congressional elections
First district
Incumbent Paolo Duterte is running for re-election to a third term. His opponents are PBA Partylist Representative Migs Nograles and independent candidates Janeth Jabines, Rex Labis and Mags Maglana.
Candidates
- Paolo Duterte (Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod), incumbent representative from Davao City's 1st district (2019–present)
- Janeth Jabines (Independent)
- Rex Labis (Independent)
- Mags Maglana (Independent)
- Migs Nograles (Independent), incumbent representative for PBA Partylist (2022–present)
Results
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paolo Duterte | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 203,557 | 78.75 | |
| Migs Nograles | Independent | 49,186 | 19.03 | |
| Mags Maglana | Independent | 3,530 | 1.37 | |
| Janeth Jabines | Independent | 1,870 | 0.72 | |
| Rex Labis | Independent | 331 | 0.13 | |
| Total | 258,474 | 100.00 | ||
Second district
Incumbent Vincent Garcia is eligible to a third term but did not seek re-election. He fielded his nephew, city councilor Javi Garcia Campos, to succeed him. His opponents are Omar Duterte, son of 1st district representative Paolo Duterte, and independent candidate Melogen Montesclaros.
Candidates
- Javi Garcia Campos (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas), incumbent city councilor from the 2nd district (2019–present)
- Omar Duterte (Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod), incumbent barangay chairman of Buhangin, Davao City (2023–present)
- Melogen Montesclaros (Independent)
Results
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omar Duterte | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 160,432 | 63.54 | |
| Javi Garcia Campos | Partido Federal ng Pilipinas | 90,156 | 35.71 | |
| Melogen Montesclaros | Independent | 1,895 | 0.75 | |
| Total | 252,483 | 100.00 | ||
Third district
Incumbent Isidro Ungab is running for re-election to a third term. His opponents are 3rd district councilor Nonoy Al-ag, former representative Ruy Elias Lopez, and independent candidates Lito Monreal and Dindo Plaza.
Candidates
- Nonoy Al-ag (Lakas–CMD), incumbent city councilor from the 3rd district (2019–present)
- Ruy Elias Lopez (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas), former representative from Davao City's 3rd district (1998–2007) and 2022 candidate for mayor of Davao City
- Lito Monreal (Independent)
- Dindo Plaza (Independent)
- Isidro Ungab (Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod), incumbent representative from Davao City's 3rd district (2019–present)
Results
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isidro Ungab | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 178,721 | 77.57 | |
| Nonoy Al-ag | Lakas–CMD | 30,687 | 13.32 | |
| Ruy Elias Lopez | Partido Federal ng Pilipinas | 19,243 | 8.35 | |
| Lito Monreal | Independent | 1,133 | 0.49 | |
| Dindo Plaza | Independent | 612 | 0.27 | |
| Total | 230,396 | 100.00 | ||
City Council elections
| Party | Votes | % | Seats | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 2,906,265 | 60.83 | 19 | |
| Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 1,110,253 | 23.24 | 4 | |
| Lakas–CMD | 171,741 | 3.59 | 0 | |
| Hugpong ng Pagbabago | 165,173 | 3.46 | 1 | |
| Partido Federal ng Pilipinas | 133,695 | 2.80 | 0 | |
| Independent | 290,701 | 6.08 | 0 | |
| Ex officio seats | 2 | |||
| Reserved seats | 1 | |||
| Total | 4,777,828 | 100.00 | 27 | |
| HTL becomes largest party | ||||
First district
The first city council district, co-terminous with Davao City's 1st congressional district, is composed of the administrative districts of Poblacion and Talomo (54 barangays).
Results
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodrigo Duterte II | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 192,324 | 11.71 | |
| Jesus Melchor Quitain Jr. | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 175,474 | 10.68 | |
| Luna Acosta | Hugpong ng Pagbabago | 165,173 | 10.05 | |
| Cookie Bonguyan | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 153,308 | 9.33 | |
| Bonz Militar | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 150,626 | 9.17 | |
| Ragde Niño Ibuyan | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 148,474 | 9.04 | |
| Tek Ocampo | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 145,299 | 8.84 | |
| Pameng Librado | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 132,709 | 8.08 | |
| TJ Corsino | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 103,074 | 6.27 | |
| Nilo Abellera Jr. | Partido Federal ng Pilipinas | 60,560 | 3.69 | |
| Cherry Al-ag | Independent | 58,054 | 3.53 | |
| Priscilla Galope | Lakas–CMD | 38,496 | 2.34 | |
| Eking Liparanon | Lakas–CMD | 33,790 | 2.06 | |
| Archie Cubos | Independent | 13,383 | 0.81 | |
| Bong Javier | Independent | 13,289 | 0.81 | |
| Kariz Cubos-Martinez | Independent | 10,310 | 0.63 | |
| Franz Gonzales | Independent | 8,752 | 0.53 | |
| Mary Jane Aguinaldo | Independent | 8,035 | 0.49 | |
| Ojeng Jabines | Independent | 7,521 | 0.46 | |
| Jen-Jen Dulla | Independent | 7,163 | 0.44 | |
| Alvin Roy | Independent | 6,094 | 0.37 | |
| Antonette Sabes | Independent | 6,040 | 0.37 | |
| Bitoy Villasis | Independent | 5,018 | 0.31 | |
| Total | 1,642,966 | 100.00 | ||
Second district
The second city council district, co-terminous with Davao City's 2nd congressional district, is composed of the administrative districts of Agdao, Buhangin, Bunawan and Paquibato (46 barangays).
Results
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diosdado Mahipus | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 148,171 | 9.16 | |
| Ralph Opsima Abella | Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 148,070 | 9.15 | |
| Louie John Bonguyan | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 136,994 | 8.47 | |
| Che Che Justol | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 136,078 | 8.41 | |
| Al Ryan Alejandre | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 129,868 | 8.03 | |
| Danilo Dayanghirang | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 124,065 | 7.67 | |
| Nonong Cabling | Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 115,481 | 7.14 | |
| Doce Apostol | Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 112,625 | 6.96 | |
| Jonard Dayap | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 106,815 | 6.60 | |
| Jimmy Dureza | Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 91,935 | 5.68 | |
| Allan Simo-ag | Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 83,453 | 5.16 | |
| Nilo Cabiles | Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 80,243 | 4.96 | |
| Dayang Orcullo | Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 55,869 | 3.45 | |
| Mac Quilaneta | Lakas–CMD | 49,955 | 3.09 | |
| Pao Salvador | Partido Federal ng Pilipinas | 31,925 | 1.97 | |
| Janel Banzon | Partido Federal ng Pilipinas | 20,501 | 1.27 | |
| Mary Crystel Abrenica | Independent | 9,722 | 0.60 | |
| Regidor Cortez | Independent | 7,925 | 0.49 | |
| Erwin Uy | Independent | 6,196 | 0.38 | |
| Yang Felipas | Independent | 4,022 | 0.25 | |
| Henry Respecia | Independent | 3,820 | 0.24 | |
| Tony Emberda | Independent | 3,743 | 0.23 | |
| Keith Corton | Independent | 3,571 | 0.22 | |
| Felochie Gencianos | Independent | 3,256 | 0.20 | |
| Venz Cañonera | Independent | 3,233 | 0.20 | |
| Total | 1,617,536 | 100.00 | ||
Third district
The third city council district, co-terminous with Davao City's 3rd congressional district, is composed of the administrative districts of Baguio, Calinan, Marilog, Toril and Tugbok (82 barangays).
Results
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberto Ungab | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 153,433 | 10.10 | |
| Enzo Villafuerte | Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 144,270 | 9.50 | |
| Sweet Advincula | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 137,001 | 9.02 | |
| Petite Principe | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 129,490 | 8.52 | |
| Rachel Zozobrado | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 129,292 | 8.51 | |
| Potpot Villafuerte | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 128,425 | 8.45 | |
| Jopet Baluran | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 125,895 | 8.29 | |
| Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz | Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod | 121,076 | 7.97 | |
| Abay Bargamento | Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 100,110 | 6.59 | |
| Bebot Clarion | Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 89,598 | 5.90 | |
| Rodolfo Mande | Partido Demokratiko Pilipino | 88,599 | 5.83 | |
| Momay Al-ag | Lakas–CMD | 49,500 | 3.26 | |
| Jetjet Pantig | Independent | 39,845 | 2.62 | |
| Larry Franco | Partido Federal ng Pilipinas | 20,709 | 1.36 | |
| Carmela Merquita | Independent | 7,357 | 0.48 | |
| Rowena Soriano-Donato | Independent | 6,684 | 0.44 | |
| Ramil Fernando Brucal | Independent | 6,122 | 0.40 | |
| Efren Desierto | Independent | 5,975 | 0.39 | |
| Julie Leah Echalico | Independent | 5,114 | 0.34 | |
| Manuel Mendoza | Independent | 4,842 | 0.32 | |
| Michael Cabalhin | Independent | 4,614 | 0.30 | |
| Leonara Digna Naraval | Independent | 4,500 | 0.30 | |
| Junrich Sumile Malolot | Independent | 4,288 | 0.28 | |
| Ricky Castillote | Independent | 3,725 | 0.25 | |
| Daniel Guillen | Independent | 2,879 | 0.19 | |
| Exequiel Placio | Independent | 2,833 | 0.19 | |
| Luis Narisma | Independent | 2,776 | 0.18 | |
| Total | 1,518,952 | 100.00 | ||
Aftermath
On June 20, 2025, due to mayor-elect Rodrigo Duterte's continued detention at the Hague that prevented him from taking the oath of office, vice mayor-elect Sebastian Duterte became the acting mayor, while 1st district councilor-elect Rigo Duterte, who had received the most number of votes for councilor in the entire city, became the acting vice mayor.[6] Rodrigo Duterte ultimately failed to take his oath within the prescribed six-month period. As a result, Sebastian and Rigo Duterte were sworn in as the permanent mayor and vice mayor, respectively, on January 23, 2026.[7] Rigo’s ascension to the vice mayoralty left a vacancy in the Davao City Council.