- A glimpse on possible winners
The main political battleground in Davao Region is Davao City which of latest count has 1,007,794 registered voters according to the Commission on Elections. The city is the political domain of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his children, including the incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte who had dedicated their lives in public service. The President’s father, Vicente Duterte, also served as governor of the then undivided Davao province.
Running for mayor in 2025 midterm elections in Davao City is former President Duterte with his son, the incumbent Mayor Sebastian “Baste”, as his running mate. Karlo Nograles, his former spokesman and secretary of his Cabinet, is challenging him in the mayoralty race while Baste is up against former city councilor Bernie Al-ag. The race in the city council seats is a free-for-all for the members of Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL) which all dominated the race.
Re-electionist Paolo “Pulong” Duterte of the 1st District is challenged by Migs Nograles and Mags Maglana, both running as independent candidates. Migs Nograles, like his brother Karlo, is identified with Speaker Martin Romualdez. There are two other candidates, namely Janeth Jabines and Rex Labis, both running as independent, but are virtually unknown.
In the 2nd District, Karlo Nograles recruited Javi Garcia Campos whose clan are known to be close political allies of Duterte. Also running are Omar Duterte (HTL), grandson of the President and a certain Melogen Montesclaros (IND).
Incumbent Congressman Isidro Ungab (HTL) of the 3rd District faces a number of political adversaries that include Nonoy Al-ag of Lakas-CMD, Ruy Elias Lopez (PFP), Lito Monreal (Ind) and a Dindo Plaza (IND).
Based on separate and independent surveys done by University of Mindanao Institute of Public Opinion and the Ateneo de Davao Blue Vote, the mayoral, vice mayor and congressional races are dominated by the Duterte bets including Isidro Ungab in the 3rd District. The former President is presently detained in the facilities of the International Criminal Court in The Hague Netherlands after he was arrested and forcibly flown in what Sen. Imee Marcos described as highly irregular circumstances. The plotters now face criminal and administrative charges before the Ombudsman.
Davao del Norte has the 2nd biggest number of voters at 721,737.
In the gubernatorial race are incumbent Governor Edwin Jubahib (PFP)and incumbent 2nd District Representative Alan Dujali (Lakas-CMD).
Gunning for Vice Governor are Tete So (Lakas-CMD), the governor’s daughter Clarise Jubahib (PFP) and Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez (Reporma).
Vying to be congressman in the 1st District of the province are:
Cesar Cuntapay (PDP), Nickel Suaybaguio (PFP), Oyo Uy (Lakas-CMD) and Cesar Granada (IND).
In the 2nd Distrct, Team Aldu endorsed JM Lagdameo who is running against Rico Peligro (IND), Ana Teresa Dujali (IND) and Randy Sta Maria (IND).
All odds are in favor of Team Dujali except for the vice gubernatorial race where Bebot Alvarez beats others in terms of organization and steadfast campaigning all over the province.
The gold rich province of Davao de Oro has a total of 551,671 registered voters.
The Gubernatorial seat is being contested by Ruwel P. Gonzaga (PFP) the incumbent congressman of the 2nd District of the province; and Raul Mabanglo, husband of incumbent Rep. Maricar Zamora (LAKAS-CMD).
Running this time as Vice Governor of Davao de Oro is incumbent Gov. Dorothy Gonzaga (PFP). She is challenged by Kris Caballero (IND).
Maricar Zamora is seeking re-election in the 1st District of Davao de Oro but is facing a stiff competition from Franco Tito (IND) who was personally endorsed by former President Duterte in a press conference last September. Also aspiring for congress is Joselito Brillantes (IND).
PFP nominated a non-politician but known for being a philanthropist Noe “Butchoy “ Taojo to be its candidate for Congressman in the 2nd District of Davao de Oro versus Jhong Ceniza (IND) the incumbent Mayor of Pantukan. Starting from behind, Butchoy who once was a lowly laborer(abantero) in a mine site in Monkayo, ventured on his own after learning the ropes in Pantukan. He hit gold-rich mine site that later became a big and successful mining operations in the province. His generosity is legendary as he shares his blessings with countless of people in need and donated millions of pesos for the construction of houses for homeless victims of calamities in Davao de Oro. Butchoy has taken the lead in the race that even former governor Arturo “Papa Gov “ Uy predicts he will win with a comfortable margin.
Davao del Sur has 551,671 registered voters.
Incumbent Gov. Yvonne Roña CAGAS, and husband Vice Gov. Cagas are both seeking re-election .
John Tracy Cagas, the only congressman in Davao region who voted for the impeachment of VP Sara Duterte, is running for a second term and faces former Davao del Sur board member Arvin Malaza (IND).
Davao Oriental is scene of a political battleground among candidates wooing the province 435,188 voters. Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang is running for governor this time versus incumbent Gov. Nino Uy. It is seen as a very close encounter.
In the 1st District Congressional fight however Nelson Dayanghirang Jr. is seen to dominate the race against Pepot Lara of PFP.
The same can be said of Congressman Cheeno Almario (Lakas-CMD) who is said to be a “sure winner” in the 2nd District versus Sito Rabat (PFP).
Davao Occidental with 205,737 registered voters is in total control of the Nationalist People’s Coalition led by Claude Bautista, a pillar of Hugpong ng Pagbabago.
