Mayoral candidate vows to restore dignity in governance for Cebu City

 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)