Visayas officials lead governance poll

Politics
28 May 2026 • 12:00 AM MYT
The Manila Times
The Manila Times

One of the longest-running English broadsheets in the Philippines

Visayas officials lead governance poll

​A GOVERNANCE survey placed several officials in Central Visayas at the top of its performance rankings, reflecting strong public confidence amid rising expectations for accountability, service delivery and government modernization.

​The Index of Governance (IOG) survey conducted by the RPMD Foundation Inc. rated district representatives based on legislative performance, constituent service, accessibility, responsiveness and overall public service delivery.

​City mayors, on the other hand, were assessed on leadership, fiscal management, anti-corruption initiatives, digital governance, infrastructure development, disaster response, peace and order, environmental programs and social services.

​RPMD said the IOG combines trust ratings and performance indicators to measure leadership effectiveness and citizen confidence.

​According to RPMD Executive Director Paul Martinez, the survey does not measure popularity alone but focuses on governance delivery, responsiveness, accessibility and public trust.

​The survey was conducted from April 1 to 8, involving 5,000 respondents from various socioeconomic classes interviewed face-to-face. It carries a ±1 percent margin of error at a 95-percent confidence level.

​District representatives

​In the “Tier 1” category, leading congressional performers were ​Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon of Mandaue City — 87.8 percent; Rep. Junard “Ahong” Chan of Lapu-Lapu City — 87.3 percent; Rep. Karen Garcia of Cebu’s third district — 85.2 percent; and ​Rep. Daphne Lagon of Cebu’s sixth district — 83.5 percent.

​RPMD said the results were driven by strong public trust, visibility and consistent response to local concerns.

​In the second tier, rankings included Rep. Rhea Gullas (86.9 percent), Rep. Edu Rama (86.4 percent) and Rep. Duke Frasco (84.8 percent), reflecting strong constituent engagement.

​Completing the Central Visayas list were Rep. Edsel Galeos (82.7 percent), Rep. Patsy Calderon (82.2 percent) and Rep. Sun Shimura (80.7 percent).

​In Bohol, Rep. Alexie Tutor led with 80 percent, followed by Rep. Vanvan Aumentado (77 percent), Rep. Baba Yap (75.2 percent) and Rep. Cutie del Mar (70.9 percent). RPMD cited strong emphasis on accessibility and grassroots service.

​City mayors

​In the mayoral rankings, three officials were statistically tied under Tier 1: ​Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano of Mandaue City — 85.2 percent; Mayor Samsam Gullas of Talisay City — 84.7 percent; and Mayor Cindi Chan of Lapu-Lapu City — 83.5 percent.

​Their ratings were driven by leadership performance, fiscal discipline, anti-corruption initiatives, digitalization efforts, infrastructure programs, disaster response and service delivery.

​Other rankings included: Mayor Nestor Archival of Cebu City — 81.9 percent; ​Mayor Joie Perales of Toledo City — 81.1 percent; Mayor Val Chiong of Naga City — 79.1 percent; Mayor Jane Yap of Tagbilaran City — 77.7 percent; Mayor Mayel Martinez of Bogo City — 75.2 percent; Mayor Nito Durano of Danao City — 71.8 percent; and ​Mayor Patrick Barcenas of Carcar City — 70.7 percent

​RPMD said the results reflect growing public demand for governance anchored on performance, accountability, modernization and visible public service delivery.