The 2025 midterm elections are shaping up to be a fierce contest among Davao region’s most influential political dynasties after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ended the eight-day application period for the upcoming polls earlier this week.
In Davao City, Davao del Sur, the rivalry between the Duterte and Nograles families was restored. Former President Rodrigo Duterte and his then Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles are leading the mayoralty race with their respective relatives also competing for other local government positions.
Duterte’s youngest son, incumbent mayor Sebastian Duterte, will be running for vice mayor this time around. His elder brother, Paolo, is seeking re-election to represent Davao City’s first district against Nograles’ sister Margarita or ‘Migs.’
The Dutertes are running under the local party Hugpong ng Taong Lungsod. The Nograleses, meanwhile, are supported by a broad coalition of other elite families in Davao City, according to Councilor Bernard Al-Ag, who is also running for vice mayor.
Duterte grandsons Omar Vincent and Rigo also embarked on their own political journeys. Omar aims to join their father Paolo as member of the 20th Congress, representing the second district of Davao City, while younger brother Rigo is hoping for a seat in the city council.
Other lesser-known contenders for the Davao City mayoralty race include religious leader Rodolfo Cubos and independent candidates Roweno Caballes, Jonathan Juliane and Joselito Tan. Content creator Rhodora Barcena and Richard Alcebar will also try their luck for the vice mayor position.
Also seeking congressional seats to represent Davao City are Augusto Javier Campos and Melogen Montesclaros for the second district; Isidro Ungab, Wilberto Al-Ag, Ruy Elias Lopez, and Dindo Robert Plaza for the third district.
In Davao del Norte, the battle lines are drawn between the Uy, Rellon, Jubahib and Dujali families. Incumbent Tagum City mayor Rey Uy is seeking re-election against current vice mayor Allan Rellon, who wants to reclaim the city’s leadership.
Incumbent Governor Edwin Jubahib is leading the gubernatorial race opposite outgoing Rep. Allan Dujali. Former House Speaker and longtime Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez is seeking the vice governor position against Jubahib’s daughter Clarice and Robert So.
Uy’s son, incumbent Vice Governor De Carlo Uy, will be going for a congressional seat to represent Davao del Norte’s first district against businessman Cesar Kuntapay and independent candidate Cesar Granada.
