Raymond spearheads polling effort for mayoral election

In a recent survey conducted by the Department of Political Science at the University of San Carlos, it appears that incumbent Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia is leading the pack in the hotly contested Cebu City mayoral race. This poll, titled "Voters' Preference and Perspectives Survey for Cebu City," was released on the 5th of May, 2025, just a week before the midterm elections.

The survey found that Mayor Garcia enjoys a sizable lead in both the North and South Districts of Cebu City. This independent polling survey, overseen by Assistant Professor Rejene Lakibul, was designed to guide voter preferences and stimulate public discussion.

Conducted from April 11-12, 2025, the survey polled a total of 1,306 registered voters across all 80 barangays in Cebu City. The survey utilized quantitative methods and stratified random sampling, a technique where researchers divide the population into different subgroups.

The survey's findings show that voters in Cebu City prioritize candidates who focus on job creation, have strong governance platforms, and have no history of corruption or graft. Health, social welfare, public safety, and security were identified as the most pressing issues that candidates should address.

The top three factors influencing voter preference are a candidate's background and lifestyle, track record in public service, and family.

In the mayoral race poll, Garcia is ahead with 35% of the vote, followed by Councilor Nestor Archival (28%), former mayor Michael Rama (21%), and former Customs chief Yogi Filemon Ruiz (5%). There was no support for independent candidate Julieto Co in the North District.

Tomas Osmeña leads the vice-mayoral race, according to the survey, followed by Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros and former Metropolitan Cebu Water District chairman Joey Daluz. The survey also indicates that incumbent Rep. Rachel del Mar is ahead in the poll for the race for the North District's seat in the Lower House, followed by Councilor Franklyn Ong and Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos. Incumbent South District Rep. Edu Rama is leading the poll, followed by Rodrigo Abellanosa.

The survey is part of the research and community extension efforts of the Department of Political Science at the University of San Carlos.

The "Voters' Preference and Perspectives Survey for Cebu City," conducted by the Department of Political Science at the University of San Carlos, was released a week before the midterm elections, offering general news on the Cebu City mayoral race.
The survey, overseen by Assistant Professor Rejene Lakibul, covers a wide range of characteristics that voters consider essential, including job creation, governance platforms, and a candidate's history of corruption or graft.
Conducted across all 80 barangays in Cebu City, the survey highlighted health, social welfare, public safety, and security as the most pressing issues that candidates should address.
Incumbent Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia leads the mayoral race in Cebu City, with a significant advantage over Councilor Nestor Archival, former mayor Michael Rama, and former Customs chief Yogi Filemon Ruiz.
In the vice-mayoral race, Tomas Osmeña has the lead, with Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros and former Metropolitan Cebu Water District chairman Joey Daluz closely following.
The survey also provides insights into policy-and-legislation and migration, revealing that voters prioritize a candidate's background and lifestyle, track record in public service, and family, as the top three factors influencing their preference.