Dumaguete Mayor Remollo wins third term, opposition takes city council

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines – Felipe Antonio “Ipe” Remollo of the Liberal Party won his third consecutive term as mayor of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, with the city board of canvassers proclaiming him early Tuesday morning, May 10.

Remollo garnered 36,744 votes over his closest rival, Provincial Board Member Estanislao Alviola of the opposition Team Kasaligan slate, who got 32,382 votes.

Remollo was reelected despite his controversial proposed 174-hectare Smart City reclamation project that sparked intense opposition in 2021 among locals, scientists, and civil society. 

Remollo and the city council halted the project in September 2021, but advocates have warned the mayor might pursue the project once reelected.

Calindagan Barangay Captain Maisa Sagarbarria (Nationalist People’s Coalition), Remollo’s running mate under the administration Lupad Dumaguete slate, easily won her vice mayoralty race with 43,049 votes against former vice mayor William Ablong (PROMDI), who garnered 23,981 votes.

Seven candidates for councilor from the opposition Team Kasaligan slate, however, won seats in the city council. Three seats, including the top position, went to Lupad Dumaguete candidates.

• Karissa Maxino Tolentino (Liberal/Lupad Dumaguete) – 38,419 votes
• Joe Kenneth Arbas (Liberal/Team Kasaligan) – 36,275 votes
• Maria Marife Cordova (Liberal/Team Kasaligan) – 33,196 votes
• Agustin Perdices (PROMDI/Team Kasaligan) – 32,801 votes
• Petit Baldado (PROMDI/Team Kasaligan) – 30,604 votes
• Bernice Elmaco (Lakas/Team Kasaligan) – 30,395 votes
• Rey Lawas (Liberal/Lupad Dumaguete) – 28,949 votes
• Tonyrems Remollo (Independent/Team Kasaligan) – 28,767 votes
• GG Esmeña (Independent/Lupad Dumaguete) – 28,267 votes
• JV Imbo (PROMDI/Team Kasaligan) – 27,548 votes

The Team Kasaligan slate had previously pledged to stop any reclamation activity in Dumaguete City. – Rappler.com