Elected leaders in Lapu-lapu, Cebu City take their oaths

CEBU, Philippines — It has been formally confirmed that Lapu-Lapu City will continue to be led by the Chan administration, as Mayor-elect Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan and Congressman-elect Junard “Ahong” Chan, along with their winning allies, took their oaths of office yesterday afternoon, June 28.

Just two days before they officially switch positions on July 1, the mayor-congressman tandem of the Chan spouses was sworn in by Judge Nelson Leyco of the Lapu-Lapu City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 27 during a ceremony held at the Lapu-Lapu City Hoops Dome in Barangay Gun-ob.

In addition, re-elected Vice Mayor Celedonio “Celsi” Sitoy, along with the 12 winning councilors — all from the Chan-led party, Team Kaabag — were also sworn into office.

The Chan-led administration will continue to govern Lapu-Lapu City after Team Kaabag achieved a 15-0 landslide victory in the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.

Taking the podium as the city’s new local chief executive, King-Chan acknowledged that it would be difficult to follow in the footsteps of her husband. However, she vowed to lead with the same courage, determination, and heart—adding that she would do so in her own way, with a leadership anchored on action and service from the heart.

“My leadership will not be one of distance or pride. It will be one of listening, action, and presence. I will be in your barangays. I will walk your streets. I will face your problems with you—because this is our shared journey,” King-Chan said in her speech.

She added that she entered public office having served the city as its congresswoman, a role through which she brought the voices of the Oponganons to the halls of national leadership.

As she assumed her new position as mayor, she vowed to bring national programs and priorities back to the local level—closer to the people who matter most.

“I do not promise perfection, but I promise action. I do not promise ease, but I promise service. I will work not just with hands and mind—but with soul,” she said. "As your Mayor, she envisions a city with healthcare that is “dignified, accessible, and responsive.”

King-Chan promised to improve the services and capacity of the Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital.

“No Oponganon should have to travel far or wait too long to receive the care they need. We will invest in health workers, modern equipment, and stronger community health programs. When our people are healthy, our city is strong,” she said.

In addition to healthcare, King-Chan vowed to prioritize education by improving schools and expanding scholarship programs at Lapu-Lapu City College.

She also revealed that under her administration, Lapu-Lapu City will have a new City Hall building.

“(This) is not just a building, but a symbol of our community. A symbol of good governance, of transparency, of compassion,” said King-Chan.

She said the new City Hall will be sustainable, environmentally responsible, and inclusive—especially for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Outgoing Lapu-Lapu City Mayor and now Congressman Chan delivered a heartfelt message during the oath-taking ceremony, expressing deep gratitude to Oponganons for their unwavering support throughout his term.

“Your overwhelming mandate is not just a political victory, but a powerful message that you believe in our leadership,” Chan said.

He assured the people that every vote and act of support was never taken for granted and committed to continue uplifting every Oponganon in his new role in Congress.

On the other hand, the 11 incumbent councilors under Team Kaabag of Lapu-Lapu City, who were reelected, likewise,  took their oath.

Completing the seat, is former Canjulao barangay captain Rufo Bering, the only non-incumbent among the winners, who placed eighth in the recent midterm elections.

The following individuals, listed according to the number of votes they received, will serve as city councilors in the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod:

• Marciano “Jun” Alforque

• Annabeth Cuizon

• Susan Baring

• Celestino “Tino” Aying

• Jan Vincent “Janvi” Dela Serna

• Efren Herrera

• Ariane Yap

• Climaco “Montor” Tatoy Jr.

• Jeorgen Eyas-Book

• Joseph Pangatungan

• Emilio “Dok” Galaroza Jr.

At exactly 11:59 AM on Monday, June 30, the leadership transition between the Chan couple will officially take effect, marking the formal start of their new roles in public office.

Cebu City

Meanwhile, two days before officially assuming office, members of the Kugi Uswag Sugbu (KUSUG) party who won seats in the recent elections took their oath of office in a simple ceremony administered by outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia at the Plaza Sugbo Grounds yesterday.

Re-elected Congresswoman Rachel “Cutie” Del Mar (Cebu City, north district) was the first to take her oath.

She was followed by the other KUSUG members, namely,  re-elected Councilors Pastor “Jun” Alcover, Joel Garganera, and Edgardo “Jaypee” Labella, as well as newly elected officials David Tumulak, Harold Go, and Winston Pepito.

The ceremony was attended mainly by family members, city officials and employees, and other community groups and city residents.

In an interview following the ceremony, Pepito expressed his excitement to serve the Cebuano people, saying he has many plans for the city, including improvements to the education system’s scholarship program.

“I am excited to serve the Cebuano. I have so many plans for our city, so hopefully matagaan og igong pagtagad karon nga naa nako sa council,” he said.

Pepito also shared that he is not yet certain which committee he will be assigned to, but expressed interest in serving on the IT or Transportation and Communication committees, given his expertise in those fields.

Meanwhile, Labella shared his gratitude for being re-elected, emphasizing that “it is not easy to be re-elected.”

He said he plans to retain with his current committee assignment and to continue to serve as head of the IT committee.

Garganera, in the other hand, said he is more than ready to assume his post in the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

He shared that in the last session of the 16th SP, he ended his term by passing two ordinances - the “Bisaya Music Preservation and Promotion Ordinance” and the June 2025 amendment of City Ordinance 2623 or the “Earth Balling, Cutting & Removal of Trees Ordinance."

When asked which committees he wanted to join in the next council, he said he mainly wants to hold on to two committees.

“With regards to the disaster [committee], I’m open to give it to others who are interested. I’m still holding onto the environment for continuity, and I’m very much passionate about culture and heritage,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alcover shared that he has “mixed emotions” about securing his seat in the council.

“Nalipay ta nga nakalusot ta isip konsehal sa City [of] Cebu, pero duna sad tay gamay nga kaguol, tungod kay among ulo, si Mayor Raymond Garcia, ug ato-ang Vice Mayor, wala man intawn hatagi og maayong kapalaran,” he shared.

He added that as an incumbent councilor who will continue to serve in the next council, he will continue to find ways to improve his service towards the public, not just in the north district but also in the south district.

He said he would lime to continue the unfinished ordinances on comprehensive programs for agriculture and disaster. He emphasized his strong advocacy for farmers and senior citizens.

As currently chairperson of the committees on senior citizens and agriculture, he said he hopes to obtain chairmanship on the committee on markets, as he stated that both agriculture and trade are closely related.

Also present at the ceremony were incumbent councilors Francis Esparis and Franklyn Ong, along with outgoing councilors James Cuenco and Rey Gealon, who joined the event to show their support for the incoming officials.

Garcia noted that KUSUG secured the highest number of votes in the councilorial race in both districts, with Pepito and Tumulak leading the polls, respectively.

He also extended his congratulations to the newly elected officials and urged them to serve with integrity and genuine commitment to the Cebuano people. — CNU Interns Caren Itolle and Joseph Adrian Leyson JG (FREEMAN)