Outgoing mayor Garcia: New political alliances at City Council possible

CEBU, Philippines — While no clear majority has emerged among Cebu City’s incoming council members, outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia disclosed that talks are already underway ahead of the inaugural session, acknowledging the possibility of new political alliances—including potential realignments by councilors affiliated with his party.

The current set of councilors will continue serving until noon of June 30, 2025 while the incoming set of council members will take their oath on July 1, marking the start of a reorganization period. Unlike the outgoing body, which was split between two parties, the incoming council will be composed of members from three different political groups.

Specifically, the Bando Osmeña–Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) and the Partido KUSUG–Panaghiusa coalition each secured six council seats, while Partido BARUG won four.

Garcia, standard-bearer of Partido KUSUG, acknowledged the need for coalition-building following his unsuccessful mayoral bid. He pointed out that the formation of alliances is likely during the inaugural session, when council members are expected to elect a new set of officers, including the majority floor leader, minority floor leader, and chairpersons of the 24 standing committees of the city council.

“I think there will really be alliances. For me, it is still premature to say kinsay mag-alyansa (who will align), but I am one hundred percent sure that our councilors will really look after what is best for the City of Cebu, and they will choose whom they see will be best fit,” Garcia said.

He emphasized that the selection of officers should be left solely to the discretion of the councilors and not influenced by the executive department.

“It is purely the responsibility of the councilors,” Garcia said, urging the incoming administration to allow members of the council to decide for themselves.

Garcia noted that while no bloc has formally declared a majority, the possibility of alliances forming remains strong. He confirmed that conversations are ongoing between and among the new council members, and said he is in regular communication with councilors from his party.

Garcia also expressed his support for any of his party's councilors who may choose to align with other parties to help form a majority. In fact, he welcomed such possibilities, expressing hope that KUSUG councilors will be included in the new majority bloc.

When asked if he had a preferred party for an alliance, Garcia deferred to the judgment of the councilors under Partido KUSUG.

“I can just guide them. I can coach them…but I will never impose my will on them, naa ra gyud na nila (it’s really up to them),” he said.

Following his loss to Mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr. in the recent elections, Garcia said he has not observed any indication that his party’s councilors are distancing themselves from him or withdrawing their support.

He noted that KUSUG councilors continue to attend meetings he calls, which he considers essential in mentoring newly elected members.

“But I am still here to guide, to direct them, and perhaps tingali (maybe) to teach them unsay angay buhaton (what they need to do) in their terms,” Garcia said.

Official results from the 2025 midterm elections showed that Archival garnered 256,197 votes, followed by Garcia with 176,967 votes. Former mayor Michael Rama received 120,124 votes.

The winning councilors under BOPK are Nice Archival, Alvin Arcilla, Bebs Andales, Paul Labra, Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa, and Michelle Abella. For Partido KUSUG, the victors are Dave Tumulak, Winston Pepito, Joel Garganera, Pastor Jun Alcover, Jaypee Labella, and Harold Go. Partido BARUG’s elected councilors are Philip Zafra, Mikel Rama, Harry Eran, and Francis Esparis. —/FPL (FREEMAN)