Puerto Princesa City is gearing up for an electrifying 2025 mayoralty race, and this is not your ordinary election—it’s a showdown between former political allies who now find themselves at opposite ends of the ring. In one corner, we have the long-time incumbent, Mayor Lucilo Bayron, who just filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) last Saturday, October 5. And in the other, the ever-determined Vice Mayor Nancy Socrates, who’s also throwing her hat in the ring for the top seat. Let’s just say, Puerto Princesa is in for one heck of an election!
The Bayron Dynasty Strikes Again… or Does It?
Mayor Lucilo Bayron is back in the race, and not just for himself. Tagging along with him is his daughter, Councilor Judith Raine Bayron, running for vice mayor, and the whole squad of candidates, including the seasoned Baham Mitra, former congressman and governor, who’s vying for the congressional seat of Palawan’s third district. Talk about a family affair!
Despite being on his final term, Mayor Bayron insists he has “isa pa” left in him, thanks to some legal consultation. He’s betting on another term, fueled by the support of his legal advisors who claim he can still run. The plot thickens with his family-oriented strategy—perhaps making sure the Bayron brand stays in power, regardless of election outcomes. But not everyone’s buying into this “isa pa” narrative.
Enter Vice Mayor Nancy Socrates – The Underdog with a Mission
On the other side of this political face-off is Vice Mayor Nancy Socrates, a figure who’s been feeling somewhat sidelined lately. According to her, since 2019, she’s been slowly but surely excluded from city events, senior citizens’ gatherings, and other key activities. It’s almost as if she was being ghosted! Feeling “in-itsapwera” by the Bayron administration, Socrates is making her move, believing it’s her “duty and responsibility” to continue serving the city—this time as its mayor.
In her recent interviews, Socrates didn’t mince words. She firmly stated that Bayron has already maxed out his allowable terms, and it’s high time for someone else to take the reins. If you ask her, she’s ready to lead, with her own vice mayoral candidate, Jimbo Maristela, and a team eager to push Puerto Princesa toward further progress. She’s all about “Serbisyo, Puso, Sinseridad,” a slogan that hints at her intention to provide heartfelt and honest governance.
The Once Dynamic Duo Now Rivals
If this were a telenovela, Bayron and Socrates would be the classic “friends-turned-foes” plot. They used to be on the same political team, working hand in hand. Now, it seems they’re ready to battle it out at the polls. It’s giving off serious “final showdown” vibes, and voters are getting front-row seats!
Imagine it: Bayron, standing tall, backed by a legacy of achievements and, of course, his daughter and allies. Meanwhile, Socrates, the persistent and underestimated vice mayor, rallies the support of the people who have seen her dedication despite being, as she puts it, “left out in the cold” by the current administration. Will Puerto Princesa stick with what’s familiar or take a chance on fresh leadership?
“But Wait, There’s More!” – Edmundo Katon Joins the Fray
Just when you thought the story couldn’t get juicier, another candidate enters the race! Meet Edmundo Katon, a lesser-known contender, but one who could definitely shake things up. What’s a political race without a wildcard candidate, right? Whether Katon plays the role of kingmaker or spoiler remains to be seen, but his presence adds another layer of excitement to this mayoral contest.
The Big Question: Who Will Win?
With two prominent figures now on opposing sides, the city is left wondering, “Sino sa kanila ang pipiliin namin?” Will Puerto Princesa continue with Bayron, or will it give Socrates a shot? One thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a simple mayoral election. It’s a battle for the future of the city, with no shortage of drama, twists, and political intrigue.
So, get ready Puerto Princesa, because the 2025 elections are shaping up to be more thrilling than your favorite K-drama. Whether you’re Team Bayron, Team Socrates, or just here for the spectacle, one thing’s clear—this race will keep everyone on their toes until the final vote is cast!
