Baricuatro, Archival lead in Cebu gubernatorial and mayoral races respectively

 CEBU CITY—It looks like the political landscapes of Cebu Province and Cebu City are changing with the leads of gubernatorial candidate Pam Baricuatro and mayoral candidate Nestor Archival continue to widen.

 Baricuatro a PDP-Laban gubernatorial candidate continues to lead the race with over 922,059 votes as of 9:46 PM on May 12, 2025, based on partial and unofficial results from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) with 65.59% of election returns already transmitted from 1,986 of 3,028 clustered precincts.

The growing margin now over 309,000 votes positions Baricuatro for a potential historic victory, signaling a shift in political preference among Cebuano voters, according to a Facebook post of Basic Sectors Alliance for Community and Genuine Change, which could gain momentum with promised of reform, transparency and a more inclusive leadership approach.

Though the results remain unofficial, the current numbers strongly suggest that the province may be heading toward a new administration after years of dominance by the Garcia political dynasty, the FB post read.

Meanwhile, Nestor Archival led the race with 250,129 votes as of 11PM, May 12.  Incumber Cebu City mayor Raymund Garcia, in his Facebook post formally conceded and congratulated Archival and his running mate Vice Mayor Tommy Osmena for their wins.

“One of the biggest blessings I have received in life is having been given the opportunity to serve the City of Cebu.  My warmest congratulations to my colleague in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Mayor-elect Nestor Archival, and Vice Mayor-elect Tommy Osmeña, for a successful campaign.

I shall spend the next weeks ensuring a smooth transition to the incoming administration, even as we make good on the projects we've already lined up,” Garcia said.

The numbers though partial and unofficial marked the beginning of the changes in the politics and governance of Cebu Province and Cebu City as well.  The COMELEC continues its count with official results and proclamations to follow in the next days to come. (Photos: Google Images)