Captain in Looc, Mandaue arrested due to Coun. Cabahug's death
In Mandaue City, Councilor Editha Cabahug of Team Mandaue sadly passed away due to ovarian cancer, leaving her reelection bid for May 12, 2025 uncontested. City Mayor Jonas Cortes confirmed the news and stated plans to approach the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for candidate substitution.
"We will coordinate with the local Comelec officer for the process," Cortes mentioned.
Cortes expressed confidence that the party can manage this unfortunate situation without any major setbacks. The necessary documents, including affidavits, death certificates, and the Certificate of Candidacy (COC), have been processed, according to Cortes.
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia was reportedly considered for the substitution. However, Raul Kevin Cabahug, Looc Barangay Captain and Editha's son, may not be required to resign from his barangay leadership position before running as the party nominee.
Even though Editha's name has been officially listed on the official ballots, Cortes gives an assurance to those who would have voted for Editha that their ballots will still be valid for Raul Kevin, pending the Comelec's approval.
Raul Kevin previously served in public office from 2016 to 2019, holding positions such as SK chairman, SK federation vice president, barangay councilor for six years, president of the Barangay Council for Leadership and Protection, city councilor, and currently serving as the chairman and vice chairman of the Mandaue City Police Advisory Council.
Under Philippine election rules, a substitute can be declared until noon of election day, as long as the substitute shares the same surname as the deceased candidate. The political party must officially announce the substitution to the Comelec to make it official[1][4].
The Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines establishes the legal framework for elections, including guidelines for candidate substitutions, ensuring a smooth transition of power while respecting voter intent[3].
In Mandaue City, plans are underway to approach the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for candidate substitution following Councilor Editha Cabahug's passing. The local Comelec officer will be coordinated with for this process. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia was initially considered for the substitution, but Raul Kevin Cabahug, Looc Barangay Captain and Editha's son, may not need to resign from his barangay leadership position before running as the party nominee. Even though Editha's name is listed on the official ballots, voters who would have voted for her can rest assured that their ballots will still be valid for Raul Kevin, pending the Comelec's approval. This substitution is allowed under Philippine election rules, provided the substitute shares the same surname as the deceased candidate. The legal framework for these elections, including guidelines for candidate substitutions, is established in the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.
