MANDAUE CITY — The HKPH Public Opinion and Research Center (HKPH), in partnership with the Hong Kong based Asia Research Center (ARC), has released the results of its latest independent and non-commissioned survey, which shed light on the political dynamics shaping the 2025 elections in Mandaue City. From March 25 to 30, 2025, the face-to-face survey involved 3,500 randomly selected respondents and carried a margin of error of ±2%.

In the congressional race, incumbent Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon has emerged as the overwhelming reelection favorite, securing 82.7% of voter preference: her challenger, former Mandaue City Treasurer Atty. Regal Oliva trailed far behind with only 16.9% support. This commanding lead highlights Congresswoman Ouano-Dizon’s enduring popularity and reflects her strong performance and extensive grassroots machinery that has resonated across the city.

Meanwhile, Board Member Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano holds a clear advantage in the heated mayoral contest, garnering 55.2% of voter support. His opponent, former Mayor Jonas Cortes, received 43.4%. The results point to a shifting tide in Mandaue politics, with the electorate leaning toward the return of the influential Ouano family to the city’s top executive post. Observers note that Cortes’s previous dismissal as mayor weighs heavily on public perception, eroding the trust and confidence the former chief executive once enjoyed.

Steven Su, Program Director of HKPH-ARC, emphasized the significance of the results: “The Ouano siblings—Congresswoman Lolypop and Board Member Jonkie—are enjoying strong political momentum. The congressional race is virtually a foregone conclusion, while the mayoral race strongly favors the Ouano name.” Su further noted that Atty. Oliva’s candidacy failed to gain traction, citing a lack of campaign platforms and limited voter recall.

The survey underscores a broader trend of political consolidation in Mandaue, with the Ouano family’s dual candidacies benefiting from deep-rooted local support and high levels of trust among voters. As the campaign period enters its final stretch, all signs point to a coordinated and potentially sweeping victory for the Ouano siblings in both congressional and mayoral races.

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