The local political landscape is reaching a decisive moment as the 2025 elections approach, with two major races drawing intense public attention: the Dumaguete mayoralty contest, and the Negros Oriental gubernatorial race.
In Dumaguete City, the battle for mayor has become one of the most closely-watched, pitting two familiar names in local politics—incumbent Cong. Chiquiting Sagarbarria, and first-time political candidate, Atty. Felipe Claudio Remollo.
According to the latest Boses ng Bayan survey conducted by RPMD Foundation Inc. in partnership with RPMD News Network Inc., Cong. Chiquiting Sagarbarria currently holds a commanding lead, securing 60 percent of voter support, compared to Remollo’s 40 percent.
The independent, non-commissioned survey was conducted face-to-face with 1,800 randomly selected respondents from April 25 to 30, and carries a ±2 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.
Dr. Paul Martinez, executive director of RPMD and analyst on global affairs, explained that the results reflect a voter preference for experienced leadership.
“Congressman Sagarbarria’s strong public recall, and favorable approval ratings as both legislator and former mayor contribute significantly to his advantage. Voters value tested governance, and his track record reinforces that trust,” he said.
While the young Remollo entered the race with momentum fueled by the endorsement of his father, incumbent Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, the survey suggests this initial boost has waned.
“The electorate appears to be cautious about entrusting the City’s leadership to a political newcomer, especially when weighed against Sagarbarria’s performance-based credentials,” Dr. Martinez noted.
At the provincial level, incumbent Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria — Congressman Sagarbarria’s son– continues to gain ground in his re-election bid.
The same Boses ng Bayan survey revealed that Governor Chaco has surged to 68 percent voter preference, a 21-point jump that signals strong and growing public support.
His main challenger, former Cong. Pryde Henry Teves, saw his numbers drop to 25 percent, with seven percent being ‘undecided’ or supporting other candidates.
Dr. Martinez said he attributes Governor Chaco’s performance to a mix of visible leadership, infrastructure projects, and administrative stability.
“Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria has effectively rebuilt public trust after a period of political volatility in the Province. His clear governance style, and on-the-ground presence have resonated across demographics,” Martinez said.
In contrast, he said, Teves’s campaign appears “hampered by persistent controversies and unresolved legal issues”, which continue to cast a shadow over his candidacy.
“Voters are increasingly disillusioned with efforts to rehabilitate Teves’s image. The public’s shift away from him suggests that trust remains a key currency in this election,” Dr. Martinez added.
Both surveys underscore a broader trend: voters across Negros Oriental are leaning toward candidates who offer stability, experience, and concrete results.
While Cong. Chiquiting Sagarbarria and Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria are currently leading their respective races, analysts caution that anything can happen in the final stretch.
“With a few days left before voters head to the polls, momentum is clearly with the Sagarbarrias—but in politics, the final outcome is never certain until the last ballot is counted,” Martinez said. (PR)
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Photo Caption: Although not yet of voting age, a child curiously examines the posters of candidates in the May 12 elections strewn over a Comelec poster area in barangay Taclobo, maybe thinking how his future would be with the next set of community leaders. (Photo by Franz Wilfred Acaylar/SU Masscom)
