Mayoral candidate Yogi Filemon Ruiz has pledged to bring a leadership style that is genuinely responsive to the needs of Cebuanos as he officially launched his campaign at Golden Prince Hotel. The event marked the start of the official campaign period for the May 12, 2025, national and local elections.
Ruiz emphasized that he never aspired to be a politician but was drawn to public service. Throughout his career, he has successfully implemented policies and programs entrusted to him by national leaders. He envisions a leadership that prioritizes competence and responsiveness over mere popularity.
“Ang akong damgo, wa ko magdamgo mamahimong politiko. Ang akong damgo, mamahimo kong public servant. Nga makahatag ko’g kaayuhan sa atong syudad, makahatag ko’g kahapsay’ kakadalanan para sa atong anak ug para sa atong mga apo,” he stated.
“What I will be bringing to the table, a brand of leadership that will be responsive to the needs of the people. Mao ni akong ingon, if you want a brand of leadership that will be for popularity, then, mao ni akong ingon, do not vote for me. But if you want a brand of leadership that will be for ability, that will be for competency, that will lead to prosperity, then, wala’y lain. Yogi Ruiz,” he added.
A Grassroots Approach to Leadership
Unlike traditional politicians, Ruiz has opted for a grassroots approach, engaging directly with barangays and sitios instead of relying on massive campaign materials. He takes pride in following election rules and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding campaign materials.
Ruiz believes that listening to the concerns of Cebuanos firsthand will allow for a governance approach that truly serves the people. He envisions himself as a leader driven by empathy, one who understands the struggles of ordinary citizens and is committed to addressing their concerns with genuine care and decisive action.
“What we did, ni adto ta sa mga ka-barangayan. Ni adto ta sa mga sitio. Ni adto ta sa mga balay-balay sa atung mga kaigso-unan. We conducted a grassroots campaign to rally more support gikan sa atung mga kaigso-unan. Sa pagbisita nato sa atong mga kaigso-unan, sa mga nagkadaiyang sitio, mas nalipay sila kay ngadto nila nakita nga naa pa diay nagpabiling usa ka leader nga ganahan maminaw sa ilang mga yangungo, ganahan maminaw sa ilang mga problema,” he said.
Plans for Cebu City
Among his key priorities is addressing traffic congestion through a comprehensive master plan that includes enhanced training for traffic enforcers and the introduction of a monorail system as a more efficient alternative to the outdated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). He emphasized that the monorail will complement existing jeepney drivers rather than replace them.
On waste management, he plans to standardized garbage trucks with readily available spare parts and enforce a strict “No Segregation, No Collection” policy to benefit both waste disposal efficiency and local farmers.
As a former regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-7), Ruiz is also committed to making Cebu City the safest in the country. “Pinakaduol sa akong dughan kay ako usa sad ko ka amahan, let us improve the peace and order situation sa atung syudad. Himuon nato ang syudad sa Sugbo nga pinakahapsay nga siyudad sa tibuok Pilipinas. Ang atung mga anak, atung mga apo, maglakaw-lakaw sa atung kadalanan nga di ta mabalaka nga adunay dautang mahitabo nila,” he said.
Ruiz has pledged to combat the widespread proliferation of illegal drugs in the city, emphasizing a firm yet compassionate approach to law enforcement and rehabilitation.
Restoring Cebu City’s Reputation
Ruiz is determined to restore Cebu City’s reputation as the “Queen City of the South” through improved governance and localized, sustainable development. He describes himself as a strict but fair leader, one who is friendly yet firm, and committed to prioritizing the needs of the people above politics.
“I may be strict, but I will be fair. I may be friendly, but I will be firm. No politics, everything for the people. Let us give an opportunity for our city to thrive,” he said.
He urges all candidates to adhere to fair play and election rules, advocating for clean and truthful campaigning.
“Let us be fair. Let us be responsive sa panginahanglan sa katawhan. Fair in the sense nga nana man tay rules and regulations in place. Musunod lang ta,” he stressed.
Governance Vision and Campaign Theme
Ruiz’s governance plan focuses on solving Cebu’s most pressing concerns, including flood control, waste disposal, traffic management, peace and order, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and socialized housing.
He underscored the importance of strong foundational governance, highlighting the need to identify and address the root causes of the city’s most pressing issues rather than merely treating their symptoms.
“We have seven platforms of governance – guiding principles in its first three years of governance: flood (prevention), waste disposal, traffic, peace and order situation, delivery of health and social services, livelihood assistance for livelihood opportunity, and a socialized housing program,” Ruiz stated.
With a long-term vision for progress, Ruiz is determined to implement sustainable solutions that provide lasting improvements for the community, rejecting short-term, superficial fixes that fail to create real change.
Running under Partido Cebuano KBL, Ruiz is joined by a slate of councilor candidates who share his vision for a progressive and inclusive Cebu City.
For the North District, candidates include Ren Ranche, an award-winning entrepreneur focused on entrepreneurship, livelihood, and local economies; Clarissa Larry Otadoy, a longtime leader of a Cebu City Vendors Association advocating for market and trade development; and Niceforo Iroy, a licensed urban planner aiming to enhance urban planning while integrating tourism-driven economic growth.
In the South District, the councilor candidates are Susan Jaca Berido, a licensed pharmacist focusing on healthcare system development; Omar Kintanar, who aims to ensure quality education and workforce alignment; Bonel Balingit, founder of a Cebu-based auxiliary civilian volunteer organization advocating for peace, order, and disaster preparedness; Atty. Renil Oliva, a government lawyer and career executive dedicated to socialized housing and food security programs; Arlene Salahuddin, an expert in inclusive development and minority representation; Vic Buendia, a former barangay captain committed to infrastructure expansion and improvement projects; and Emman Maranga, the youngest aspirant, who will push for youth development programs.
With a track record of integrity, competence, and dedication, Yogi Filemon Ruiz remains steadfast in his commitment to a better Cebu City. His campaign is built on action, inclusivity, and genuine public service, making him a formidable contender in the 2025 mayoral race.
