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)

 

 

 

SM City Consolacion, Cebu 30% voter’s turnout as of 11am today

CONSOLACION, Cebu – SM City Consolacion in Cebu, one of two mall voting precincts chosen by COMELEC in Cebu for registered voters specifically residing in Brgy. Pitogo, Consolacion has registered about 30 percent voters’ turnout as of 11am today, May 12 with 2,656 voters expected to exercise their rights of suffrage.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in partnership with SM Supermalls rolled out the Mall Voting Program (MVP) in 20 select SM malls nationwide on May 12 including SM City Consolacion for Cebu as mall voting venue to give convenient voting access to PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

"We believe democracy should be inclusive, convenient, and secure. By offering our malls as voting venues, we’re not just making it easier to vote—we’re helping empower every Filipino to make their voice heard. The goal is for a smoother, more inclusive voting experience, especially for PWDs, senior citizens and pregnant women, others,” Junias Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM Supermalls said.

According to COMELEC and SM Supermalls, eligible voters assigned to MVP locations can head to their designated SM mall to vote in a secure, accessible, and air-conditioned environment.  Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or a senior citizen looking for comfort and ease, the MVP is designed to improve your voting experience.  

Voting in Cebu City generally peaceful, huge voters’ turnout

Meanwhile, Cebu City Police Office (CPPO) director Col. Enrico Figueroa, in an interview with MyTV Cebu said that voting in Cebu City started at 5 am and precincts are now filled with people constantly streaming up to the present time with the elections generally peaceful.

Figueroa added that there are no major incidents recorded from the time the polls opened at 5:00 am up to the present time. He said, the police continue to closely monitor various aspects of election-related violence or disturbance. So far, no reports have been reported on any untoward incidents, “The elections here are generally peaceful and huge voters’ turnout,” he said. (Photos: SM City Consolacion & Google Images)

 

VISCOM-AFP deploys 7,700 personnel for May 12 polls in Visayas

CAMP LAPULAPU, Cebu City—The Visayas Command (VISCOM)-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) mobilized 7,700 AFP personnel to reinforce security in support of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) measures for the May 12 national and local polls in the Visayas region.

"This deployment reinforces our commitment to protect the sanctity of the electoral process. As a professional and non-partisan organization, we stand vigilant in ensuring that every Filipino can exercise their right to vote freely, without fear or intimidation,” Lieutenant General Fernando Reyeg PA, Commander of VISCOM said. 

Reyeg said, more than 4,000 personnel under Joint Task Force (JTF) Spear were deployed across Region 6, the Negros Island Region and Region 7, while over 3,000 personnel under Joint Task Force (JTF) Storm were deployed in Region 8, as he emphasized the AFP’s resolve in securing this democratic process.

Reyed added that to ensure real-time security monitoring, VISCOM has activated its Election Monitoring Cell (EMC), a crucial mechanism to synchronize troop movements, closely monitor the security situation, and facilitate coordination among partner agencies.

This mechanism enables swift responses to potential threats and strengthens security forces' capacity to sustain security and stability throughout the election period.  VISCOM said that troops have been strategically positioned across the Visayas region, ready to counter potential threats, prevent election-related incidents, and ensure that voters can safely participate, the Commander added.

 

AFP personnel have been strategically positioned in key areas, particularly those identified as Areas of Immediate Concern and Areas of Grave Concern, to prevent any threats that may disrupt the electoral process.

With proactive security measures and coordinated efforts with the COMELEC and PNP, VISCOM assures safe and peaceful environment for all voters.  Reyes called on the public to exercise their democratic right by making informed decisions on May 12.

"We call upon every citizen in the Visayas to exercise their right to vote wisely. Your voice shapes the future of our nation, and it is through informed, principled voting that we uphold democracy. Let us stand together in ensuring a peaceful, fair, and meaningful election,” Lt/Gen Reyeg concluded.

Naval Forces Central conducts inspection prior to deployment

In similar developments the Naval Forces Central (NFC) Naval Base Rafael Ramos (NBRR), Lapu-Lapu City conducted Personnel and Equipment Readiness Inspection on May 9 prior deployment of some 80 personnel to augment security forces in Cebu for the National and Local Elections on May 12.

According to the Naval Forces Central, detailed personnel comes from HNFC and OPCON / TACON units and are tasked-organized to compose the Command’s security contingent that will be placed under the Operational Control (OPCON) of the Joint Task Group Cebu to ensure Unity of Command and coordinated mission execution within the assigned Area of Operations.

Commodore Joselito De Guzman PN, Commander, Naval Forces Central (CNFC) conveyed his warm regards to the personnel set to be deployed in Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Municipalities of Consolacion and Cordova and wished them well for a safe and successful deployment.

“Your Navy in the Visayas assures the public that its personnel are fully prepared physically, mentally and administratively; and that all mission-essential equipment are complete and deployment-ready.  NFC remains steadfast in its commitment to support and ensure the honest, orderly and peaceful conduct of the 2025 National and Local Elections,” Commodore de Guzman said. (Photos: AFP-VISCOM/NAVFORCEN)

COMELEC-7: All systems go for May 12 polls in Central Visayas

CEBU CITY— “All systems go” for the May 12 national and local elections said COMELEC-7 Election Assistant, John Raymund Ceniza, in a Kapihan sa PIA forum on May 7 at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7) here.

Ceniza bared that preparations for the upcoming election, especially on the readiness of the Election Commission Modules (ECMs) are 100 % ready with full transparency assured and the readiness of the Starlink’s reliability in remote areas.

He said that COMELEC has already completed the final testing and sealing of the ECMs; disseminated information about the electoral process to the public through the organization's website and social media pages; clarified and ensured that voting hours in all areas can start at 5 AM and ends at 7 PM on election day.

Ceniza also raised the concerns about the security of the election and the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the importance of centralized coordination and the involvement of national security agencies to ensure the smooth flow of the elections, the need for vigilance and the prevention of vote buying and selling.

Ceniza also emphasized the role of the media in disseminating accurate information and promoting public awareness and the forum concluded with COMELEC calling for continued collaboration and vigilance in ensuring a fair and secure election process this May 12.

The final electoral data for Central Visayas as of January 7, 2025 is at 4,389,344 registered voters with Cebu at 3,407,780 and Bohol at 981,564 registered voters in 27,098 estimated precincts. (Photos: MBCNewman)