CEBU CITY – Mayoral aspirant and standard
bearer of Partido Cebuano KBL, Yogi Filemon Ruiz vows to restore dignity in
governance with his campaign platform on responsive, effective leadership and strong
foundational governance for Cebu City.
“I pledge to bring a leadership style that is
genuinely responsive to the needs of Cebuanos. What I will be bringing to the
table, a brand of leadership that will be responsive to the needs of the people,
a brand of leadership that will be for ability, that will be for competency,
that will lead to prosperity,” Ruiz told the media at the kickoff of his
campaign on March 28 at a hotel in Cebu City.
Ruiz presented his Framework of
Governance—Economic Growth Drivers; Environment of Governance and Social
Management. He said, this is a pioneering
approach that sets the stage for a new era in managing the Cebu City Government,
a different path, one grounded in foundational governance principles that
promise to transform initial pledges into lasting, effective results.
“I join the mayoral race as the fresh face of
genuine, grassroots-centered leadership. Backed by a broad coalition of
ordinary citizens, sectoral groups, and progressive community leaders, I offer
a new beginning for Cebu, one anchored in transparency, inclusion, and safety,”
Ruiz added.
Ruiz carries the voice of the unheard championing
inclusive governance and creating opportunities for all, especially those
marginalized by traditional politics. His leadership embodies a strong,
strategic, and compassionate brand of governance designed to uplift every
Cebuano, from the mountain barangays to the coastal sitios, his campaign
materials read.
Grassroots
approach to leadership and his plans for Cebu City
Unlike traditional politicians, Ruiz opted for
a grassroots approach, engaging directly with barangays and sitios instead of
relying on massive campaign materials. He
takes pride in following election rules and ensuring compliance with
regulations regarding campaign materials.
Ruiz believes that listening to the concerns of
Cebuanos firsthand allows for a governance approach that truly serves the
people. He envisions himself as a leader
driven by empathy, one who understands the struggles of ordinary citizens and
is committed to addressing their concerns with genuine care and decisive
action.
His plans
for Cebu City include key priorities such as addressing traffic congestion
through a comprehensive master plan that includes enhanced training for traffic
enforcers and the introduction of a monorail system as a more efficient
alternative to the outdated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). He emphasized that the monorail will
complement existing jeepney drivers rather than replace them.
On waste management, Ruiz said he plans to
standardized garbage trucks with readily available spare parts and enforce a
strict "No Segregation, No Collection" policy to benefit both waste
disposal efficiency and local farmers.
As a former regional director
of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-7), Ruiz is also committed to
making Cebu City the safest in the country.
Ruiz pledged to combat the widespread proliferation of illegal drugs in
the city, emphasizing a firm yet compassionate approach to law enforcement and
rehabilitation.
“I am determined to restore
Cebu City’s reputation as the "Queen City of the South" through
improved governance and localized, sustainable development. I describe myself
as a strict but fair leader, one who is friendly yet firm, and committed to
prioritizing the needs of the people above politics,” Ruiz added.
Ruiz’
vision and campaign theme
Ruiz’s governance plan focuses
on solving Cebu’s most pressing concerns, including flood control, waste
disposal, traffic management, peace and order, healthcare, livelihood
opportunities, and socialized housing.
He underscores the importance
of strong foundational governance, highlighting the need to identify and
address the root causes of the city's most pressing issues rather than merely
treating their symptoms.
Running under Partido Cebuano KBL, Ruiz is
joined by a slate of councilor candidates who share his vision for a
progressive and inclusive Cebu City.
For the North District, candidates include Ren
Ranche, an award-winning entrepreneur focused on entrepreneurship, livelihood,
and local economies; Clarissa Larry Otadoy, a longtime leader of a Cebu City
Vendors Association advocating for market and trade development; and Niceforo
Iroy, a licensed urban planner aiming to enhance urban planning while
integrating tourism-driven economic growth.
In the South District, the councilor candidates
are Susan Jaca Berido, a licensed pharmacist focusing on healthcare system
development; Omar Kintanar, who aims to ensure quality education and workforce
alignment; Bonel Balingit, founder of a Cebu-based auxiliary civilian volunteer
organization advocating for peace, order, and disaster preparedness.
Also running for the South District are-- Atty.
Renil Oliva, a government lawyer and career executive dedicated to socialized
housing and food security programs; Arlene Salahuddin, an expert in inclusive
development and minority representation; Vic Buendia, a former barangay captain
committed to infrastructure expansion and improvement projects; and Emman
Maranga, the youngest aspirant, who will push for youth development programs.
With a track record of integrity, competence,
and dedication, Yogi Filemon Ruiz remains steadfast in his commitment to a
better Cebu City. His campaign is built on action, inclusivity, and genuine
public service, making him a formidable contender in the 2025 mayoral race.
He urges all candidates to adhere to fair play
and election rules, advocating for clean and truthful campaigning. "Let us be fair. Let us be responsive sa
panginahanglan sa katawhan. Fair in the sense nga nana man tay rules and
regulations in place. Musunod lang ta," he concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)
