NEWLY ELECTED City councilors who will sit in the Sanguniang Panlungsod are a mixture of returning and neophyte politicians, with one thing in common: endorsed by Duterte’s party.
For the first district, Rigo, the namesake of former president Rodrigo, clinched the top councilor with 192,324 votes, followed by Melchor Quitain (175,474 votes); Atty. Luna Acosta (165,173 votes); Cookie Bonguyan (153,308 votes); Bonz Militar (150,626 votes); Ragde Ibuyan (148,474 votes); Temujin “Tek” Ocampo (145,299 votes); and Pamela “Pameng” Librado (132,709).
For the second district, the newly proclaimed councilors are Atty. Diosdado Mahipus 149,171 votes); Ralph Abella (148,070); Louie John Bonguyan (136,994); Che Che Justol (136,078); Al Ryan Alejandre (129,868); Danny Dayanghirang (124,065), Nonong Cabling (115,481), and Doce Apostol (112,625).
For the third district are Alberto Ungab (153,433 votes), Doc Enzo Villafuerte (144,270), Atty. Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique Advincula (137,001); Petite Principe (129,490 votes); Rachel Zozobrado (129,292 votes); Doc Potpot Villafuerte (128,425 votes); Jopet Baluran (125,895 votes); and Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz (121,076 votes).
Comebacking councilor Advincula said the 21st city council will be dynamic in the sense that it will be a mixture of fresh ideas of the new and the experience of veteran legislators.
Asked if being the majority coming from the same party will affect the legislative process, she said it is not presupposed that no deliberations in the council will be made.
“Maskin sauna pa, dili mag pasabot na yes lang dayon tanan, colleagues debate naman on matter, especially kung tan-aw nila naay ayuson,” she stressed.
She added that regardless of the nature of the group, it is important that the application or items have to go through the right process.
Incoming and neophyte councilor Doce Apostol, brother of incumbent councilor Dante, told reporters his plans in the 21st council will focus on addressing economic issues concerning various sectors.
However, he stressed that he will approve whatever will be raised in the plenary as long as it is in line with Duterte.
“Tanang mga legislative agenda gikan sa council, dili ta mo simang, kay amoang aim ani kung unsa ang programa sa mga Duterte, didto gyud mi mosunod,” Apostol said.
Comebacking for a second term, Councilor Enzo Villafuerte said being with veteran legislators can be “intimidating,” but it’s an honor to learn a lot from them.
“I’m looking forward to what they can teach me, as a young councilor, I can learn a lot from them, and hope I can work with them for ordinances in the 21st city council,” Villafuerte said.
He added he is willing to help the neophyte and young councilors learning also from being the youngest councilor in the 20th city council.
Duterte-led Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod in a statement on Tuesday attributed the landslide victory of all HTL candidates across the positions of mayor, vice mayor, all three congressional districts, and all city council seats, to the “strong and united affirmation of the leadership and service” that the movement has long stood for.
“This sweeping mandate is not simply a win for HTL—it is a triumph of genuine public service, principled leadership, and grassroots governance. It is a declaration by the Davaoeño people that they continue to believe in a leadership that listens, acts, and delivers,” it added.
HTLP promised to “serve with integrity, integrity, to govern with compassion, and to build a Davao City where progress is shared, and leadership remains close to the people.”
