Unexpected Wins Shock Philippines in 2025 Midterm Elections

Cebu Governor Race Sees Major Upset: Baricuatro Wins in Landslide Victory The 2025 Philippine midterm elections produced several surprising results, particularly in the Cebu gubernatorial race. Pam Baricuatro, a known ally of President Duterte, secured a decisive victory against the incumbent governor, Gwen Garcia. This win is considered a major upset, given Garcia's established political standing. "This is truly a victory," stated Baricuatro in a post-election interview, highlighting the unexpected nature of her win. The election also saw Nestor Archival triumph in the Cebu City mayoral race, defeating Raymond Alvin Garcia, a prominent figure in Cebu politics. Archival's campaign, characterized by limited resources, focused on direct engagement with constituents. In Las Piñas, Mark Anthony Santos achieved a significant win in the congressional race, defeating Senator Cynthia Villar. Santos' victory marks the first time the Villar family has lost the seat in Las Piñas, signifying a shift in the city's political landscape. The elections demonstrated the unpredictable nature of Philippine politics, with several unexpected outcomes shaping the future of local governance. The victories of Baricuatro, Archival, and Santos highlight the importance of grassroots campaigning and the potential for political newcomers to challenge incumbents.