Cebu City Council

Legislative body in the Philippines

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|

Cebu City Council

Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Cebu

17th Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Cebu
Type
Type|

Unicameral

Term limits

| 3 terms (9 years)
History
Founded| February 24, 1937
Leadership

Presiding Officer

Tomas Osmeña (Liberal)

Presiding Officer pro tempore

Philip Zafra (Lakas)

Majority Leader

Dave Tumulak (Aksyon)

Minority Leader

Sisinio Andales (Liberal)

Structure
Seats|

* 18 councilors (including 2 ex officio members)
* 1 ex officio presiding officer

Political groups

| Majority bloc (12):

*   PFP (5)
*   Lakas (3)
*   Aksyon (1)
*   PDP (1)
*   Nonpartisan (2)

Minority bloc (6):

*   Liberal (6)

Length of term

| 3 years
Authority|

* Cebu City Charter
* Local Government Code of the Philippines

Elections

Voting system

* Plurality-at-large voting (16 seats)
* Indirect elections (2 seats)

Last election

| May 12, 2025

Next election

| May 8, 2028
Meeting place

* Doña Eva Macaraeg-Macapagal Session Hall
* 4th Floor, Legislative Building
* Cebu City Hall

Website
https://www.cebucity.gov.ph

The Cebu City Council (Filipino: Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Cebu) is the legislature of Cebu City, Philippines. The legislative body is composed of 18 councilors, with 16 councilors elected from Cebu City's two councilor districts[1] and two elected from the ranks of barangay (neighborhood) chairmen and the Sangguniang Kabataan (youth councils).[2] The council's presiding officer is the vice-mayor (elected by the city).[3] The council is responsible for creating laws and ordinances under the jurisdiction of Cebu City.[3][4] Although the mayor can veto proposed bills, the council can override the veto with a two-thirds supermajority.[2]

## History

[edit]

In 1937, four municipalities (including Cebu) were officially converted into cities. With the largest population and number of registered voters at the time, Cebu City was allocated eight members for its city council. On February 24, 1937, at the promulgation of the Cebu City charter, the eight inaugural members of the council were sworn in: Jose P. Nolasco, Dominador Abella, Diego Cañizares, Leandro Tojong, Manuel Roa, Felipe Pacaña, Regino Mercado and Jose Fortich.[5]

On December 10, 1940, eight members were elected to the council: Leandro A. Tojong, Juan Zamora, Honorato S. Hermosisima, Florencio Urot, Florentino D. Tecson, Ramon U. Abellanosa, Cecilio dela Victoria, and Numeriano Estenzo. Their election was confirmed in Executive Order No. 315, s. 1940, signed on December 28, 1940, by President Manuel Quezon.[6][7]

The post-war city council was convened on July 1, 1945, and was composed of Honorato S. Hermosisima, Cecilio dela Victoria, Florencio S. Urot, Numeriano G. Estenzo, Eugenio G. Corro, Canuto O. Borromeo, Alfonso S. Frias and Miguel Sanson. On July 5, 1945, Cebu City Ordinance No. 1, "An Ordinance regulating the establishment and maintenance of cockpits in the City of Cebu", was passed; the city's first ordinance, it was also the first cockpit ordinance in the Philippines and was authored by Councilor Cecilio dela Victoria.[8] Another ordinance was Cebu City Ordinance No. 4, "An Ordinance Appropriating Funds for the necessary expenses of the Government of the City of Cebu during the period from July first Nineteen Hundred Forty-Five to September Thirtieth Nineteen Hundred Forty-Five, and for other purposes". In this appropriation ordinance, the total per diems for the eight council members was ₱2,680.[9]

## Seat

[edit]

Legislative Building of the Cebu City Hall

The council sits at Cebu City Hall, meeting in the Doña Eva Macaraeg-Macapagal Session Hall of the Cebu City Legislative Building (CCLB). The renovated CCLB was inaugurated on July 24, 2008, by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, assisted by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Vice Mayor Michael Rama. The building cost ₱120 million to renovate, ₱15 million of which came from the Philippine Tourism Authority (now TIEZA).[10]

The hall was named for Eva Macaraeg-Macapagal, the mother of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the second wife of former president Diosdado Macapagal.[11]

During its September 3, 2019, session, the city council approved an ordinance institutionalizing the conduct of regular and special sessions outside of its current session hall. These sessions would also be aired live on the official Facebook page of the Cebu City's Public Information Office (PIO).[12][13]

## Membership

[edit]

Each of Cebu City's two councilor districts elects eight members of the council. In plurality-at-large voting, a voter may vote for up to eight candidates and the candidates with the eight highest numbers of votes are elected.[1] Barangay and SK chairs throughout the city each elect a representative to the council, for a total of 18 councilors. City council elections are synchronized with other elections in the country, which have been held on the second Monday of May every third year since 1992.[14]

### Blocs

[edit]

See also: 2025 Cebu City local elections

As of July 8, 2025, the council was divided into two blocs: the majority bloc and the minority bloc. The majority bloc is composed primarily of councilors who won under KUSUG-PFP and BARUG– PDP\- Lakas. The minority bloc is composed mainly of councilors who won under BOPK–LP.[15]

Six of the council's 16 generally-elected seats were won by KUSUG and four of the council's elected seats were won by BARUG councilors in the 2025 elections while the remaining six seats were won by BOPK councilors.[16]

### 2025-2028 membership

[edit]

| Councilor  | Party | District  | Terms  | Bloc

|
|
|
|
|

Local  | National  | No. | Starts  | Ends
| Abella, Michelle  | BOPK | Liberal | South  | 1  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Minority
| Abellanosa, Jose Lorenzo R.  | BOPK | Liberal | South  | 2  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Minority
| Alcover, Pastor Jr. M.  | KUSUG | PFP | North  | 2  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Majority
| Andales, Sisinio "Bebs" M.  | BOPK | Liberal | North  | 1  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Minority
| Archival, Nyza "Nice" C.  | BOPK | Liberal | North  | 1  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Minority
| Arcilla, Alvin B.  | BOPK | Liberal | North  | 1  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Minority
| Eran, Harry R.  | BARUG | Lakas–CMD | South  | 1  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Majority
| Esparis, Pancrasio "Francis" I.  | BARUG | Lakas–CMD | South  | 2  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Majority
| Garganera, Joel C.  | KUSUG | PFP | North  | 4[a] | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Majority
| Go, Harold Kendrick Y.  | KUSUG | PFP | North  | 1  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Majority
| Labella, Edgardo II "Jaypee" N.  | KUSUG | PFP | North  | 2  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Majority
| Labra, Pablo II "Paul" G.  | BOPK | Liberal | South  | 1  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Minority
| Pepito, Winston C.  | KUSUG | PFP | North  | 1  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Majority
| Rama, Mikel F.  | BARUG | PDP | South  | 1  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Majority
| Tumulak, David "Dave" F.  | KUSUG | Aksyon | South  | 1  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Majority
| Zafra, Phillip S.  | BARUG | Lakas–CMD | South  | 3  | June 30, 2025  | June 30, 2028  | Majority
| Ong, Franklyn O.  | Nonpartisan[b] | LNB[c] | 2[d] | July 30, 2018  | November 30, 2025  | Majority
| Jakosalem, Rhea Mae P.  | Nonpartisan[e] | SK[f] | 1[g] | November 30, 2023[h] | November 30, 2025  | Majority

Notes

1. ^ Garganera ran for Councilor in 2025, arguing that the 15-day delay in his proclamation after winning his second consecutive term in 2019 constituted an interruption to the three-term limit. He is currently facing legal challenges from an April 3, 2025 petition seeking to declare Garganera's 2025 candidacy and victory in violation of the three-term limit under the Constitution.[17]
2. ^ Despite being officially nonpartisan as a barangay official, Ong has been allied with BARUG since his transfer from BOPK in 2024.
3. ^ The President of the Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB, also known as the Association of Barangay Councils or ABC) in Cebu City is an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
4. ^ The LnB President's terms depend on the elections and term limits for Barangay and SK officials, rather than on the local elections. Despite the new membership of the rest of the council, the 2025 local elections do not count as a new term for its two ex-officio members; Ong was first elected LnB President in 2018 and re-elected following the 2023 Barangay and SK Elections, and is thus counted as being on his second term despite serving on what would be his fourth council.
5. ^ Despite being officially nonpartisan as an SK official, Jakosalem has been allied with BARUG since her election in 2023.
6. ^ The President of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) in Cebu City is an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
7. ^ The SK Federation President's terms depend on the elections and term limits for Barangay and SK officials, rather than on the local elections. Despite the new membership of the rest of the council, the 2025 local elections do not count as a new term for its two ex-officio members, hence Jakosalem still serving her first term in the new council.
8. ^ Succeeded Jessica Resch whose term concluded on November 30, 2023, following the 2023 Philippine barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. She was elected as the president of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) in Cebu City on November 14, 2023.[18]

### Definition of simple majority

[edit]

In an omnibus resolution, Majority Floor Leader James Anthony Cuenco and the BARUG Team Rama council members moved to declare all positions in the Council vacant (including the presiding officer pro tempore, majority floor leader, 1st assistant majority floor leader, 2nd assistant majority floor leader and the chairs and members of all standing and ad hoc committees) on June 20, 2017. This was in response to the change in affiliation of BARUG Team Rama councilors David Tumulak, Nendell Hanz Abella, and Jerry Guardo to BOPK, making it the council's majority bloc.[19] For several weeks, no committee chairs were elected because of disagreements about what constituted a simple majority. The presiding officer, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, met with Councilors Margarita Osmeña and James Anthony Cuenco and they agreed to seek the opinion of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).[20]

July 24, 2017, DILG opinion stated that the City Council presiding officer should not be included in the count determining the council's majority bloc, citing the August 3, 2016 Supreme Court ruling in Tobias Javier vs. Rhodora Cadiao, et al.: "The Vice Governor, as the Presiding Officer, shall be considered a part of the SP for purposes of ascertaining if a quorum exists. In determining the number which constitutes the majority vote, the Vice Governor is excluded. The Vice Governor's right to vote is merely contingent and arises only when there is a tie to break." The vice governor is the presiding officer of a provincial board, and the vice mayor is the presiding officer of a city (or municipal) council.[21]

## Officers

[edit]

Position | Officer

|

Presiding officer  | Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña
Presiding officer pro tempore | Philip Zafra
Majority leader  | Dave Tumulak
1st assistant majority leader  | Joel Garganera
2nd assistant majority leader  | Pancrasio Esparis
Minority leader  | Sisinio Andales
Assistant minority leader  | Alvin Arcilla

## Powers, duties, and functions

[edit]

The council, as the city's legislative body, is mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991 to enact ordinances; approve resolutions; appropriate funds for the welfare of the city and its inhabitants (pursuant to Section 16 of the Local Government Code), and ensure the proper exercise of the city's corporate powers (as provided under Section 22 of the Local Government Code). It has the following duties and functions:[2]

* Approving ordinances and passing resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective city government;
* Generating and maximizing the use of resources and revenue for the city's development plans, program objectives and priorities as provided for under Section 18 of the Local Government Code, with particular attention to agricultural and industrial development and citywide growth and progress;
* Enacting ordinances granting franchises and authorizing the issuance of permits or licenses, subject to Book II of the Local Government Code;
* Regulating activities related to land use, buildings, and other structures in the city to promote the general welfare of its inhabitants;
* Approving ordinances which ensure the efficient delivery of basic services and facilities as provided under Section 17 of the Local Government Code; and
* Exercising other powers and performing other duties and functions as prescribed by law.

## Committees

[edit]

### 2025–present

[edit]

There are currently 27 standing committees as of July 8, 2025:[22]

Committee | Party | Chair | Bloc

|
|
|

Agriculture and Rural Development  |  | PFP | Jun Alcover Jr. | Majority
Animal Welfare  |  | Lakas | Philip Zafra | Majority
Barangay Affairs  |  | Nonpartisan | Franklyn Ong | Majority
Budget and Finance  |  | Aksyon | Dave Tumulak | Majority
Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Safety and Climate Change Adaptation  |  | Aksyon | Dave Tumulak | Majority
Education, Science and Technology  |  | Liberal | Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña | Minority
Environmental Natural Resources, Energy and Other Utilities  |  | PFP | Joel Garganera | Majority
Games and Amusements  |  | PFP | Jun Alcover Jr. | Majority
Health, Hospital Services and Sanitation  |  | Liberal | Michelle Abella | Minority
House Rules and Oversight  |  | Lakas | Philip Zafra | Majority
Housing  |  | PDP | Mikel Rama | Majority
Information and Communications Technology  |  | PFP | Edgardo Labella II | Majority
Infrastructure  |  | PFP | Edgardo Labella II | Majority
Labor, Employment, Cooperative and Livelihood  |  | PDP | Mikel Rama | Majority
Laws, Ordinances and Styling  |  | PDP | Mikel Rama | Majority
Markets  |  | PFP | Jun Alcover Jr. | Majority
Public Order  |  | Lakas | Phillip Zafra | Majority
Public Services  |  | Liberal | Paul Labra II | Minority
Scholarship Program  |  | PFP | Winston Pepito | Majority
Sister Cities Relations and Big Brother Program  |  | Liberal | Nyza Archival | Minority
Social Services  |  | Lakas | Pancrasio Esparis | Majority
Tourism, Arts and Culture  |  | Liberal | Nyza Archival | Minority
Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship  |  | PFP | Harold Go | Majority
Transportation and Communication  |  | PFP | Winston Pepito  | Majority
Urban Planning  |  | PFP | Harold Go | Majority
Women, LGBTQ and Family Affairs  |  | PFP | Winston Pepito | Majority
Youth and Sports Development  |  | Nonpartisan | Jessica Resch | Majority

### 2020–2022

[edit]

New officers were elected on July 29, 2020. Ad hoc committees for the Cebu City Medical Center and for the online session were also created.[23][24]

Committee | Party | Chair | Bloc

|
|
|

Agriculture and Rural Development  |  | PDP–Laban | Raymond Alvin Garcia | Majority
Barangay Affairs  |  | Nonpartisan | Franklyn Ong | Minority
Budget and Finance  |  | PDP–Laban | Raymond Alvin Garcia | Majority
Cebu City Medical Center (Ad hoc)  |  | UNA | Vice Mayor Michael Rama | Majority
Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Safety and Climate Change Adaptation  |  | Nacionalista | David Tumulak | Majority
Education, Science and Technology  |  | UNA | Vice Mayor Michael Rama | Majority
Environment and Natural Resources  |  | PDP–Laban | Joel Garganera | Majority
Games and Amusements  |  | PDP–Laban | Donaldo Hontiveros | Majority
Health, Hospital Services and Sanitation  |  | UNA | Vice Mayor Michael Rama | Majority
House Rules and Oversight  |  | PDP–Laban | Phillip Zafra | Majority
Housing  |  | PDP–Laban | Raymond Alvin Garcia | Majority
Information and Communications Technology  |  | PDP–Laban | Eduardo Rama Jr. | Majority
Infrastructure  |  | LDP | Jerry Guardo | Majority
Labor, Employment, Cooperative and Livelihood  |  | PDP–Laban | Prisca Niña Mabatid | Majority
Laws, Ordinances and Styling  |  | PDP–Laban | Raymond Alvin Garcia | Majority
Markets  |  | PDP–Laban | Renato Osmeña Jr. | Majority
Online Session (Ad hoc)  |  |  | TBD | TBD
Public Order  |  | PDP–Laban | Phillip Zafra | Majority
Public Services  |  | PDP–Laban | Eduardo Rama Jr. | Majority
Scholarship Program  |  | PDP–Laban | Donaldo Hontiveros | Majority
Sister Cities Relations and Big Brother Program  |  | PDP–Laban | Raymond Alvin Garcia | Majority
Social Services  |  | PDP–Laban | Eduardo Rama Jr. | Majority
Tourism, Arts and Culture  |  | PDP–Laban | Prisca Niña Mabatid | Majority
Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship  |  | PDP–Laban | Renato Osmeña Jr. | Majority
Transportation, Communication, Energy and Other Utilities  |  | PDP–Laban | James Anthony Cuenco[25] | Majority
Urban Planning  |  | PDP–Laban | Joel Garganera | Majority
Women and Family Affairs  |  | PDP–Laban | Prisca Niña Mabatid | Majority
Youth and Sports Development  |  | Nonpartisan | Jessica Resch | Minority

### 2019–2020

[edit]

There were 26 standing committees as of July 14, 2019:[26][27]

Committee | Party | Chair | Bloc[28][29]

|
|
|

Agriculture and Rural Development  |  | PDP–Laban | Raymond Alvin Garcia | Majority
Barangay Affairs  |  | Nonpartisan | Franklyn Ong | Minority
Budget and Finance  |  | PDP–Laban | Raymond Alvin Garcia | Majority
Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Safety and Climate Change Adaptation  |  | Nacionalista | David Tumulak | Majority
Education, Science and Technology  |  | PDP–Laban | Vacant[30] |
Environment and Natural Resources  |  | UNA | Vice Mayor Michael Rama | Majority
Games and Amusements  |  | PDP–Laban | Donaldo Hontiveros | Majority
Health, Hospital Services and Sanitation  |  | UNA | Vice Mayor Michael Rama | Majority
House Rules and Oversight  |  | PDP–Laban | Phillip Zafra | Majority
Housing  |  | PDP–Laban | Raymond Alvin Garcia | Majority
Information and Communications Technology  |  | PDP–Laban | Eduardo Rama Jr. | Majority
Infrastructure  |  | LDP | Jerry Guardo | Majority
Labor, Employment, Cooperative and Livelihood  |  | LDP | Jerry Guardo | Majority
Laws, Ordinances and Styling  |  | PDP–Laban | Raymond Alvin Garcia | Majority
Markets  |  | PDP–Laban | Renato Osmeña Jr. | Majority
PAGCOR Funds and Gaming Licenses (Ad hoc)  |  | PDP–Laban | Renato Osmeña Jr. | Majority
Public Order  |  | PDP–Laban | Phillip Zafra | Majority
Public Services  |  | PDP–Laban | Eduardo Rama Jr. | Majority
Scholarship Program  |  | PDP–Laban | Donaldo Hontiveros | Majority
Sister Cities Relations and Big Brother Program  |  | UNA | Vice Mayor Michael Rama | Majority
Social Services  |  | PDP–Laban | Eduardo Rama Jr. | Majority
Tourism, Arts and Culture  |  | UNA | Vice Mayor Michael Rama | Majority
Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship  |  | PDP–Laban | Renato Osmeña Jr. | Majority
Transportation, Communication, Energy and Other Utilities  |  | PDP–Laban | Vacant[30] |
Urban Planning  |  | PDP–Laban | Phillip Zafra | Majority
Women and Family Affairs  |  | PDP–Laban | Prisca Niña Mabatid | Majority
Youth and Sports Development  |  | Nonpartisan | Jessica Resch | Minority

## Past councils

[edit]

### 2022-2025

[edit]

| Councilor  | Party | District  | Terms  | Bloc

|
|
|
|
|

Local  | National  | No. | Starts  | Ends
| Abellanosa, Jose Lorenzo R.  | BOPK | LDP[15] | South  | 1  | June 30, 2022  | June 30, 2025  | Minority
| Alcover, Pastor Jr. M.  | BARUG | PDP[15] | North  | 1  | June 30, 2022  | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Archival, Nestor D. | BOPK | LDP[15] | North  | 2  | June 30, 2019  | June 30, 2025  | Minority
| Cuenco, James Anthony R.  | BARUG | PDP[31][15] | South  | 1  | September 15, 2020 [a] | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Delos Santos, Mary Ann C.  | BOPK | LDP[15] | North  | 1  | June 30, 2022  | June 30, 2025  | Minority
| Esparis, Pancrasio I.  | BARUG | PDP[15] | South  | 1  | June 30, 2022  | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Garganera, Joel C.  | BARUG | Independent[15][b] | North  | 3  | June 30, 2016  | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Gealon, Rey M.  | BARUG | PDP[15] | South  | 1  | June 30, 2022  | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Guardo, Jerry L.  | BARUG | PDP[15] | North  | 3  | June 30, 2016  | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Hontiveros, Donaldo C. | BARUG | Independent[15][b] | South  | 1  | June 30, 2022  | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Labella, Edgardo II N.  | BARUG | PDP[15] | North  | 1  | June 30, 2022  | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Osmeña, Renato Jr. Z.  | BARUG | PDP[15] | South  | 2  | December 6, 2017[c] | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Pesquera, Jocelyn G.  | BARUG | PDP[15] | South  | 1  | February 10, 2022[d] | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Wenceslao, Noel Eleuterio G.  | BARUG | PDP[15] | North  | 1  | June 30, 2022  | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Young, Joy Augustus G. | BOPK | LDP[15] | North  | 3  | June 30, 2016  | June 30, 2025  | Minority
| Zafra, Phillip S.  | BARUG | Independent[15][b] | South  | 2  | June 30, 2019  | June 30, 2025  | Majority
| Ong, Franklyn O.  | Nonpartisan | LNB[e] | 1  | July 30, 2018  | January 1, 2023  | Minority
| Jakosalem, Rhea Mae  | Nonpartisan | SK[f] | 1  | November 30, 2023[g] | November 30, 2025  |
Summary by party  Party | Total | %

|
|

| PDP | 9 | 50%
| LDP | 4 | 22.2%
| Independent[b] | 3 | 16.7%
| Nonpartisan | 2 | 11.1%
Total | 18 | 100%
Summary  Presiding officer  |

|

Seats | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
1st (North)  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2nd (South)  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ex officio |  |

Notes

1. ^ Councilor James Anthony Cuenco was nominated to succeed his father, Antonio Cuenco, who died on June 27, 2020.[32]
2. ^ a b c d Councilors Garganera, Hontiveros, and Zafra ran as independents but are allied with BARUG.[33][34]
3. ^ Osmeña was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to finish Councilor Nendell Hanz Abella's term when Abella was appointed as a commissioner representing the workers' sector of the seventh division of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).[35][36][37]
4. ^ Pesquera was named as the replacement of Councilor Donaldo Hontiveros as the latter became vice mayor.[38][39][40]
5. ^ The President of the Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB, also known as the Association of Barangay Councils or ABC) in Cebu City is an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
6. ^ The President of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) in Cebu City is an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
7. ^ Succeeded Jessica Resch whose term concluded on November 30, 2023, following the 2023 Philippine barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. She was elected as the president of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) in Cebu City on November 14, 2023.[41]

### 2019-2022

[edit]

Donaldo Hontiveros
Presiding Officer of 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod after Rama ascended to mayor in 2021.

Majority of the councilors in the 15th council came from BARUG.[42]

* Michael Rama (presiding officer; assumed by Donaldo Hontiveros on November 20, 2021)
* Nestor Archival
* James Anthony Cuenco
* Alvin Dizon
* Eugenio Gabuya Jr.
* Raymond Alvin Garcia
* Joel Garganera
* Jerry Guardo
* Donaldo Hontiveros
* Lea Ouano-Japson
* Prisca Niña Mabatid
* Renato Osmeña Jr.
* Jocelyn Pesquera
* Eduardo Rama Jr.
* David Tumulak
* Joy Augustus Young
* Phillip Zafra
* Franklyn Ong (LNB)
* Jessica Resch (SK)

### 2016-2019

[edit]

Edgardo Labella
Presiding Officer of 13th & 14th Sangguniang Panlungsod

Sixty-seven ordinances and over 4,600 resolutions were passed by the 14th council from 2016 to 2019. Eugenio Gabuya, Jr. had the largest number of approved ordinances of the 18 city legislators, and Margarita Osmeña had the largest number of approved resolutions. Sisinio Andales had perfect attendance during the council's 116 regular sessions.[43]

* Edgardo Labella (presiding officer)
* Alvin Arcilla
* Mary Ann De Los Santos
* Sisinio Andales
* Joy Augustus Young
* Jerry Guardo
* Raymond Alvin Garcia
* Pastor Alcover Jr.
* Joel Garganera
* David Tumulak
* Margarita Osmeña
* Eduardo Rama Jr.
* Jose Daluz III
* Nendell Hanz Abella (replaced by Renato Osmeña, Jr. after his appointment to the NLRC)[35]
* Eugenio Gabuya Jr.
* James Anthony Cuenco (replaced by Erik Miguel Espina after his dismissal from service)[44]
* Jocelyn Pesquera
* Phillip Zafra (LNB)

### 2013-2016

[edit]

On May 17, 2016, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) served a six-month preventive suspension order against Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and 12 councilors for "grave abuse of authority."[45] They allegedly received a ₱20,000 calamity fund, although they had not suffered in Super Typhoon Yolanda and the magnitude 7.2 earthquake which struck Cebu in 2013. Not included in the suspension order were Councilors Margarita Osmeña, Lea Ouano-Japson, Richard Osmeña, James Anthony Cuenco and Philip Zafra. Osmeña temporarily served as acting mayor and Japson as acting vice-mayor until June 30, 2016.[45]

* Edgardo Labella (presiding officer; assumed by Lea Ouano-Japson on May 17, 2016)
* Nestor Archival
* Mary Ann De Los Santos
* Alvin Arcilla
* Sisinio Andales
* Lea Ouano-Japson
* Alvin Dizon
* Ma. Nida Cabrera
* Noel Eleuterio Wenceslao
* Margarita Osmeña
* Gerardo Carillo
* Eugenio Gabuya Jr.
* David Tumulak
* Roberto Cabarrubias
* James Anthony Cuenco
* Nendell Hanz Abella
* Richard Osmeña
* Phillip Zafra (LNB)
* John Philip Po II (SK)

### 2010-2013

[edit]

The 12th council conducted its first regular offsite sessions in Barangays Bonbon, Guba and Luz on October 12 and 26, 2011 and August 15, 2012, respectively.[46] The council went paperless on July 20, 2011, with councilors using their laptops (their own or issued by the city) for the regular session; this maintained the city's environmentally-friendly stance and saved money.[47]

Notable ordinances passed by the council included City Ordinances No. 2339, which prohibited discrimination in the city on the basis of disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or religion;[48][49] No. 2343, which phased out single-use plastic products in the city[50] and No. 2326, giving the elderly and people with disabilities free parking in malls, hospitals and other establishments.[51]

* Joy Augustus Young (presiding officer)
* Edgardo Labella
* Augustus Pe Jr.
* Alvin Arcilla
* Sisinio Andales
* Lea Ouano-Japson
* Alvin Dizon
* Noel Eleuterio Wenceslao
* Ma. Nida Cabrera
* Rodrigo Abellanosa
* Margarita Osmeña
* Eduardo Rama Jr.
* Jose Daluz III
* Raul Alcoseba
* Ronald Cuenco
* Richard Osmeña
* Roberto Cabarrubias
* Michael Ralota (LNB)
* John Philip Po II (SK)

### 2007-2010

[edit]

Michael Rama
Presiding Officer of 9th, 10th, 11th & 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod

The 11th council received two Local Legislative Awards in the Highly Urbanized or Independent Component Cities category for the substance of enacted legislation, efficiency of its records staff, completeness of the Agenda, Journals, and Minutes Division and the availability of facilities and amenities in the session hall.[52]

* Michael Rama (presiding officer)
* Hilario Davide III
* Nestor Archival
* Edgardo Labella
* Sylvan Jakosalem
* Christopher Alix
* Edwin Jagmoc
* Lea Ouano-Japson
* Augustus Pe Jr.
* Rodrigo Abellanosa
* Raul Alcoseba
* Gerardo Carillo
* Jose Daluz III
* Arsenio Pacaña
* Eduardo Rama Jr.
* Richard Osmeña
* Roberto Cabarrubias
* Eugenio Faelnar Jr. (LNB)
* Rengelle Pelayo (SK)

### 2004-2007

[edit]

* Michael Rama (presiding officer)
* Hilario Davide III
* Nestor Archival
* Sylvan Jakosalem
* Edgardo Labella
* Christopher Alix
* Gabriel Leyson
* Edwin Jagmoc
* Augustus Pe Jr.
* Rodrigo Abellanosa
* Eduardo Rama Jr.
* Gerardo Carillo
* Arsenio Pacaña
* Jocelyn Pesquera
* Procopio Fernandez
* Raul Alcoseba
* Jose Daluz III
* Eugenio Faelnar Jr. (LNB)
* Glena Bontuyan (SK)

### 2001-2004

[edit]

* Michael Rama (presiding officer)
* Nestor Archival
* Christopher Alix
* Carmelita Piramide
* Danilo Fernan
* Sylvan Jakosalem
* Dana Ruiz Sesante
* Vicente Kintanar Jr.
* Manuel Legaspi
* Jocelyn Pesquera
* Procopio Fernandez
* Eugenio Gabuya Jr.
* Gerardo Carillo
* Arsenio Pacaña
* George Rama
* Gabriel Leyson
* Jose Navarro (LNB until 2002)
* Eugenio Faelnar Jr. (LNB 2002–2004)
* Glena Bontuyan (SK)

### 1998-2001

[edit]

City Ordinance No. 1726, establishing the Cebu City Commission for the Welfare and Protection of Children, was passed by this council.[53]

* Renato Osmeña (presiding officer)
* Franklin Seno
* Michael Rama
* Rogelio Osmeña
* Ronald Cuenco
* Firmo Dayao
* Ernesto Elizondo
* Rodolfo Estella
* Procopio Fernandez
* Eugenio Gabuya Jr.
* Edgardo Labella
* Manuel Legaspi
* Laurito Malinao
* Ananias Ouano
* Jocelyn Pesquera
* Felixberto Rosito
* Fe Mantua-Ruiz
* Jose Navarro (LNB)
* Anthony Jones Luy (SK)

### 1995-1998

[edit]

City Ordinance No. 1656, revising the city's comprehensive zoning regulations, was passed by this council.[54]

* Renato Osmeña (presiding officer)
* Rodolfo Cabrera
* Jessie Aznar
* Ruben de la Cerna
* Eleno Abellana
* Christopher Alix
* Manuel Concepcion
* Ronald Cuenco
* Rico Rey Francis Holganza
* Gabriel Leyson
* Laurito Malinao
* Rogelio Osmeña
* Arnulfo Ravina
* Felixberto Rosito
* Fe Mantua-Ruiz
* Joy Augustus Young
* Michael Rama
* Ananias Ouano (LNB)
* Anthony Jones Luy (SK)

## Timeline

[edit]

### Members from 2004–2025 (national parties)

[edit]

The name of the President of the Philippines is displayed at the top, followed by the council members.[a][b]

### Members from 2004–2025 (local blocs)

[edit]

The name of the Mayor of Cebu City is displayed at the top, followed by the council members.[c][d][e][f][g][h]

Notes

1. ^ Due to the unavailability of specific vote and ranking data for council races prior to the 2010 elections, new councilors prior to 2010 are sorted in alphabetical order of their last names, while new councilors from 2010 onwards are sorted by their rankings. Individuals who first join the council by being elected vice mayor (presiding officer), rather than councilor, are always listed first in their election year.
2. ^ Presidential administrations are displayed to better contextualize national affiliations; local politicians in the Philippines tend to change parties by joining either the party led by the sitting President of the Philippines, an allied national party, or a prominent national opposition party if the President is already backing a local rival.
3. ^ Mayors' names are displayed to show whether or not the sitting administration has a council majority.
4. ^ Councilor James Anthony Cuenco was dismissed from office by the Ombudsman on October 4, 2017, after which UNA nominated Eric Espina as his replacement. Espina served until Cuenco was ordered reinstated by the DILG on January 3, 2019, after the Court of Appeals overturned the Ombudsman's decision on October 19, 2018.
5. ^ Councilor Antonio Cuenco died in office on June 27, 2020, after which he was replaced by his son, former Councilor James Anthony Cuenco.
6. ^ On February 10, 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed former Councilor Jocelyn "Joy" Pesquera to fill the vacancy created by first-ranked Councilor Dondon Hontiveros's ascension to vice mayor, following the death of Mayor Edgar Labella on November 19, 2021.
7. ^ Councilor Ramon "Yayoy" Alcoseba died in office on April 25, 2022.
8. ^ Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia assumed the office of mayor on October 9, 2024 after then-Mayor Rama was dismissed from office by the Ombudsman due to nepotism charges.

## See also

[edit]

* Sangguniang Panlungsod
* Manila City Council
* Zamboanga City Council

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Congress of the Philippines (November 6, 1987). "Republic Act No. 6636 - An Act resetting the local elections from November 9, 1987 to January 18, 1988, amending for this purpose Executive Order numbered two hundred and seventy". The Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Archived from the original on August 14, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
2. ^ a b c Congress of the Philippines (October 10, 1991). "Republic Act No. 7160 - An Act providing for a Local Government Code of 1991" (PDF). National Water Resources Board. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 30, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2019. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
3. ^ a b "Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP)". Cebu City Government. June 1, 2010. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
4. ^ Revised Charter of the City of Cebu (Republic Act 3857, Article III). Philippine House of Representatives. June 10, 1964. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
5. ^ Clarence Paul Oaminal (February 8, 2017). "The inauguration of Cebu City (Part 1)". The Freeman. Archived from the original on August 27, 2019. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
6. ^ Confirming the Elections of Provincial and City Officers Elected on December 10, 1940 (Executive Order 315). December 28, 1940. Archived from the original on December 14, 2017.
7. ^ Clarence Paul Oaminal (July 13, 2017). "The pre-war councilors of the sister cities of Cebu". The Freeman. Archived from the original on May 24, 2019. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
8. ^ Clarence Paul Oaminal (October 5, 2016). "The Dela Victoria's cockpit ordinance". The Freeman. Archived from the original on August 27, 2019. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
9. ^ Clarence Paul Oaminal (November 14, 2016). "The salaries and expenses of the Cebu City Government in 1945". The Freeman. Archived from the original on May 25, 2019. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
10. ^ "GMA inaugurates legislative building". The Freeman. July 25, 2008. Archived from the original on August 14, 2019. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
11. ^ "PGMA inaugurates Cebu City's new session hall named after her late mother Doña Eva". Philippine Information Agency. July 24, 2008. Retrieved August 24, 2019.
12. ^ Jean Marvette A. Demecillo (September 8, 2019). "Council eyes sessions in barangays". The Freeman. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
13. ^ Delta Dyrecka Letigio (October 22, 2019). "Rama's 100 days as Cebu City vice mayor: 3 ordinances passed, 70 proposed by dads". CDN Digital. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
14. ^ "R.A. 7160". lawphil.net. The LawPhil Project. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Pachico A. Seares (July 8, 2025). "Seares: And the majority in the new Cebu City Council is -- wait for it -- the alliance that emerges in Tuesday, July 8 session. Either BOPK plus some defectors or a Kusug-Barug fusion". Sunstar Cebu.
16. ^ "HALALAN 2025 CITY OF CEBU Election Results | ABS-CBN NEWS". ABS-CBN NEWS.
17. ^ "Seares: Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera might lose his reelection bid". SunStar Cebu. April 8, 2025. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
18. ^ Mascardo, Iris Hazel. "Parian SK chief elected federation president". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
19. ^ Nestle L. Semilla (June 20, 2017). "Margot is Cebu City Council's new majority floor leader". CDN Digital. Archived from the original on August 31, 2019. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
20. ^ Rosalie O. Abatayo (July 11, 2017). "DILG to resolve majority dispute in City Council". CDN Digital. Archived from the original on August 31, 2019. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
21. ^ Odessa O. Leyson (July 25, 2017). "In determining simple majority: VM excluded from count". The Freeman. Archived from the original on August 31, 2019. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
22. ^ Piquero, Pia (July 8, 2025). "CEBU CITY COUNCIL NAMES NEW COMMITTEE CHAIRS". CDN Digital.
23. ^ Magsumbol, Caecent (July 19, 2020). "Council establishes CCMC committee". The Freeman. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
24. ^ "Cebu City Council elects new officers, chairmanships". Sun.Star Cebu. July 30, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
25. ^ Letigio, Delta Dyrecka (September 17, 2020). "James Cuenco joins Cebu City Council in return to on-site sessions". CDN Digital. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
26. ^ "15TH SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD". cebucity.gov.ph. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
27. ^ Jean Marvette A. Demecillo (July 14, 2019). "Council committee formed for Pagcor funds, licenses". The Freeman. Archived from the original on July 29, 2019. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
28. ^ Odessa O. Leyson (July 3, 2019). "Barug councilors get 23 of 25 committees". The Freeman. Archived from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
29. ^ Jerra Mae Librea (July 2, 2019). "Rama holds 4 major committees". SunStar Cebu. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
30. ^ a b "Councilor Antonio Cuenco dies of Covid-19". Sun.Star Cebu. June 27, 2020. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
31. ^ Letigio, Delta Dyrecka (July 8, 2020). "James Cuenco nominated to replace father in Cebu City Council". CDN Digital. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
32. ^ Letigio, Delta Dyrecka (September 17, 2020). "James Cuenco joins Cebu City Council in return to on-site sessions". CDN Digital. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
33. ^ Seares, Pachico (November 1, 2021). "EXPLAINER: Councilors Hontiveros, Zafra cancel 'independence,' stay with Barug. To Comelec though, they're still party-less. Nov. 15 deadline is 'only for substitution.'". SunStar Cebu. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
34. ^ "JOEL GARGANERA Candidate for Member, Sangguniang Panlungsod". Rappler. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
35. ^ a b Michael Bueza (December 4, 2017). "Duterte appoints Renato Osmeña Jr as Cebu City councilor". Rappler. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
36. ^ "Junjun takes office as new city councilor". The Freeman. December 7, 2017. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
37. ^ Doris Mae C. Mondragon (December 7, 2017). "Junjun Osmeña wants to unite council, executive". CDN Digital. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
38. ^ "Party picks Pesquera as replacement of Hontiveros in Cebu City Council". SunStar Cebu. November 20, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
39. ^ "Pesquera to replace slot vacated by Hontiveros in Cebu City Council". CDN Digital. November 20, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
40. ^ "Pesquera takes a seat in 15th Cebu City Council". CDN Digital. February 10, 2022. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
41. ^ Mascardo, Iris Hazel. "Parian SK chief elected federation president". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
42. ^ Delta Dyrecka Letigio (July 2, 2019). "Partido Barug takes control of Cebu City Council". CDN Digital. Archived from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
43. ^ Jean Marvette A. Demecillo (June 28, 2019). "Outgoing City Council crafted 67 new laws". The Freeman. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
44. ^ Jean Marvette A. Demecillo (July 6, 2018). "Son of ex-Cebu governor to replace Cuenco in City Council". The Freeman. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
45. ^ a b "Suspension order served vs Cebu mayor, 13 others". ABS-CBN News. May 17, 2016. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
46. ^ Jean Marvette A. Demecillo (July 14, 2019). "Councilor wants council to hold outside sessions". The Freeman. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
47. ^ "Council goes 'paperless'". The Freeman. July 21, 2011. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
48. ^ "It's a tough fight for LGBT, PWD". SunStar Cebu. October 24, 2016. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
49. ^ "City Ordinance No. 2339". Tanggapan ng Sangguniang Panlungsod. October 17, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
50. ^ Doris C. Bongcac, Jose Santino S. Bunachita (July 21, 2013). "Cebu City Council to tackle implementing rules". CDN Digital. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
51. ^ Razel V. Cuizon (May 25, 2014). "Pay-parking zones free to elderly, PWDs". SunStar Cebu. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
52. ^ Jessica Ann R. Pareja (June 24, 2010). "City council approves 56 resolutions and 3 ordinances in last session day". The Freeman. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
53. ^ "City Ordinance No. 1726". Tanggapan ng Sangguniang Panlungsod. September 16, 1998. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
54. ^ "City Ordinance No. 1656". Tanggapan ng Sangguniang Panlungsod. November 25, 1996. Retrieved August 19, 2019.

## External links

[edit]

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