Cebu City Council forms an alliance
Following the conclusion of the 2025 Cebu City elections, the City Council is marked by a fragmented structure, with no party or bloc holding a clear majority. The council's composition is as follows:
- Bando Osmeña–Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK): 6 council members
- Kusug-Panaghiusa Coalition: 6 council members
- Partido Barug (former Mayor Michael Rama's party): 4 council members
With no single party commanding an outright majority, various alliance possibilities arise.
In the event of an alliance between BOPK and Kusug-Panaghiusa Coalition, they would amass a combined total of 12 votes, providing a strong majority. This alliance could be enhanced given their prominent positions in the recent elections and the forthcoming need to elect council officers and set the legislative agenda.
An alliance between Kusug-Panaghiusa Coalition and Partido Barug would result in 10 votes, potentially needing the support of one or both ex-officio members for specific issues. However, this configuration could face challenges in achieving a majority without division or absence within the BOPK bloc.
A combination of BOPK and Partido Barug would also yield 10 votes, lacking a decisive majority but capable of influencing key decisions with assistance from ex-officio members.
Outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, aligned with Kusug-Panaghiusa Coalition, anticipates coalition-building, particularly during the inaugural session when council officers are selected. Flexibility among councilors, including those previously affiliated with Garcia's party, is expected as each group aims for influence and position within the council.
Throughout the new term, alliances may shift depending on the issues at hand, and temporary partnerships involving Partido Barug or ex-officio members could become necessary for achieving greater consensus within the City Council.
- The potential alliance between Bando Osmeña–Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) and Kusug-Panaghiusa Coalition, each having 6 council members, could dominate policy-and-legislation discussions in Cebu City Council with a strong majority of 12 votes.
- As the City Council navigates the new term, general news may emerge about various temporary partnerships being formed, especially between BOPK, Partido Barug, or ex-officio members, in order to achieve consensus on specific issues and form a majority.
