As the 2025 local elections approach, General Santos City finds itself at a pivotal political crossroads. The mayoral race has crystallized into a compelling contest between incumbent Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and seasoned political veteran Vice Mayor Rosalita “Lita” Nuñez. This showdown is more than just a clash of personalities; it mirrors the deeper political undercurrents shaping not just the city, but the nation.
Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao: A Tenure Under Fire
Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, sister-in-law of boxing legend and political figure Manny Pacquiao, entered city leadership with a promise of stability and progress. Her administration quickly flexed political muscle, securing control of 18 out of 26 barangays during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. However, beneath this stronghold lies growing public discontent.
Controversies have dogged her term, most notably accusations of overpricing in the city’s supplementary feeding programs and infrastructure projects. Vice Mayor Nuñez has been vocal about alleged kickbacks, inflated costs for basic food items like eggs and powdered milk, and questionable bidding practices, suggesting millions of pesos in public funds may have been mishandled.
Adding to the tension is the controversial P2.3 billion redevelopment of the city’s central public market, intended to transform it into a modern “mallengke” (mall-market hybrid) in partnership with Robinsons Land Corporation. Critics, including Nuñez, question the project’s transparency and fear its long-term impact on small vendors, despite assurances from Mayor Pacquiao that no vendors will be displaced.
Vice Mayor Lita Nuñez: A Bid for Reform
Standing firmly against Pacquiao is Vice Mayor Rosalita “Lita” Nuñez, a political figure with deep roots in General Santos City’s governance. Backed by the Regional Communities Reforms Initiatives (RCRI) and the formidable PDP-Laban party — the political machinery long associated with former President Rodrigo Duterte — Nuñez’s campaign is positioning itself as the torchbearer of transparency and reform.
Her alliance with PDP-Laban not only gives her a seasoned network but also aligns her campaign with the resurgent Duterte brand of governance, which continues to hold sway in Mindanao. Her candidacy speaks to those citizens dissatisfied with the current administration and eager to return to what many perceive as “strong but fair” leadership.
National Ties, Local Impact
This local contest, however, isn’t happening in isolation. The political colors of this fight tie directly to the national scene. Mayor Pacquiao is aligned with the current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a relationship further strengthened by her brother-in-law Manny Pacquiao’s presence in the national political scene, now seen in proximity to the Marcos administration’s circles.
Interestingly, recent survey trends suggest that candidates affiliated with the Marcos administration, including those under the “Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas,” are slowly slipping in public preference, while PDP-Laban-backed candidates — riding on the still potent Duterte legacy — appear to be regaining ground, particularly in strongholds like Mindanao.
The Electorate’s Decision: Continuity or Change
General Santos City voters now face a crucial choice: stick with the incumbent Lorelie Pacquiao, who represents continuity but is under fire for alleged irregularities and controversial projects, or pivot toward Lita Nuñez, a seasoned leader with a promise of reforms but also clear ties to the Duterte-era brand of governance.
This election isn’t merely about personalities — it’s about whether the city’s future will lean toward the stability promised by an embattled but connected administration or the tough-love governance style offered by Duterte-aligned candidates. In the end, the decision will lie in the hands of the Generals, whose votes will shape the course of the city’s future.
One thing is clear: the fight is far from over, and the outcome will not only define General Santos City’s leadership but will also serve as a barometer of Mindanao’s political leanings as national alliances shift and old loyalties are tested.
Note: This editorial is based on reports and political trends as of April 2025. The political landscape remains fluid, and voters are encouraged to stay engaged and critically assess all candidates’ platforms.