A look at how Cebu voted for winning senators

Local

CEBU has again delivered.

The vote-rich province once again proved its influence in national elections as it helped propel key candidates to Senate victories in the May 2025 midterm polls.

With over a combined 2.3 million votes from Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City, the province’s influence was clearly felt in the national race, especially as these urban centers delivered decisive margins for leading senatorial candidates.

Topping the Senate race with 26,912,697 votes nationwide, Bong Go of PDP–Laban dominated across all three Cebu cities:

• Cebu City: 390,236 votes (1st)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 168,502 votes (1st)

• Mandaue City: 140,874 votes (1st)

Go’s close ally and party-mate, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who finished 3rd overall with 20,595,325 votes, also had a strong performance:

• Cebu City: 343,970 votes (2nd)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 153,535 votes (2nd)

• Mandaue City: 122,231 votes (2nd)

Bam Aquino, who made a comeback to the Senate and placed 2nd with 20,895,171 votes, had mixed results in Cebu:

• Cebu City: 216,425 votes (4th place)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 65,156 votes (10th place)

• Mandaue City: 76,215 votes (5th place)

Independent candidate Rodante Marcoleta, who secured the 6th spot nationally with 15,140,342 votes, landed well in all three cities:

• Cebu City: 215,248 votes (5th place)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 99,330 votes (4th place)

• Mandaue City: 76,287 votes (4th place)

Erwin Tulfo, who ranked 4th nationwide with 17,065,384 votes, was slightly lower in local standings but still pulled solid numbers:

• Cebu City: 172,816 votes (12th place)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 61,083 votes (11th place)

• Mandaue City: 54,747 votes (12th place)

Kiko Pangilinan, 5th overall with 15,290,525 votes, also showed a competitive Cebu presence:

• Cebu City: 173,917 votes (11th place)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 49,472 votes (16th place)

• Mandaue City: 58,746 votes (11th place)

Ping Lacson, 7th place with 15,064,155 votes, gained modest support in Cebu:

• Cebu City: 157,469 votes (14th place)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 40,710 votes (20th place)

• Mandaue City: 43,159 votes (17th place)

Tito Sotto, who placed 8th nationally with 14,795,376 votes, earned:

• Cebu City: 154,686 votes (15th place)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 41,298 votes (19th place)

• Mandaue City: 41,299 votes (18th place)

Pia Cayetano, who garnered 14,519,660 votes nationwide (9th place), performed as follows:

• Cebu City: 175,514 votes (10th place)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 59,149 votes (13th place)

• Mandaue City: 53,662 votes (13th place)

Camille Villar, who ranked 10th with 13,578,736 votes, ranked higher locally:

• Cebu City: 201,121 votes (6th place)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 89,739 votes (5th place)

• Mandaue City: 62,769 votes (9th place)

Lito Lapid, with 13,333,028 votes nationwide (11th), was not among the top-tier in Cebu but still made his presence felt:

• Cebu City: 122,203 votes (17th place)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 51,032 votes (15th place)

• Mandaue City: 39,862 votes (19th place)

Imee Marcos, who completed the Magic 12 with 13,258,708 votes, had the following Cebu vote totals:

• Cebu City: 139,566 votes (16th place)

• Lapu-Lapu City: 59,913 votes (12th place)

• Mandaue City: 43,230 votes (16th place)

While not all senators-elect dominated Cebu’s top rankings, many of them received six-digit votes from at least one of the province’s urban centers. This has contributed significantly to their national totals.

Observers said the province’s results reflect both continuity and discernment, with voters supporting a mix of familiar faces, former senators, and administration allies.

Cebu has once again shown why it’s a political force to reckon with. Its vote-rich cities continue to influence national outcomes, proving that no candidate can win big without winning Cebu.(TGP)