With the conclusion of the 2025 local and midterm elections, Negros Occidental saw a mix of political continuity and disruption—entrenched clans holding firm in some areas, while fresh challengers made significant inroads elsewhere.
Nowhere was this more apparent than in Himamaylan, where a political break-up between allies-turned-rivals didn’t prevent both from winning key posts, proving that even in division, the city’s political story found a surprising, happy ending.
The election results in the southern Negros city were not entirely unexpected amid the shift in the local political landscape.
Once-allies Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson and Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao, who ran as a unified ticket under the “ToGa” tandem in 2019, ended their alliance in 2024 in a surprising split on the very day they filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs).
Their falling out sent shockwaves across the city and bewildered thousands of their supporters. As a result of this rift, new alliances emerged.
Tongson, now on his third and final term, selected his first cousin, Barangay Buenavista Chairman Raymundo “Third” Tongson, as his running mate—creating the “TongTong” tandem. Gatuslao, also in his final term, chose former city engineer Vicente Genova, forming the “GeGa” pair.
Genova’s political rise, however, has been marred by lingering controversies, including allegations of corruption during his tenure at the city hall. His career also survived a near-fatal shooting in Kabankalan in 2022—an attack for which no definitive perpetrators have been identified to this day.
Notably, during his 2024 candidacy filing, unknown men reportedly tried to seize his COC—a case still mired in ambiguity.
Prior to elections
During the campaign period, tensions flared. Gatuslao gained attention for his biting wit, particularly with his now-viral political tagline, “Kung ikaw gina-ipit, idala lang sa hutik” (If you’re being pressured, just whisper it), a sarcastic jab at the alleged political coercion faced by some voters.
Allegations also surfaced about the destruction of his campaign materials along the national highway and in remote barangays—claims firmly denied by the Tongson camp, who argued such acts would only damage their own image and bolster Gatuslao’s with voter sympathy.
The Tongson family’s influence remains deeply rooted in Himamaylan. With several relatives holding key barangay positions—including in Buenavista, the city’s largest barangay— both Tongsons hold on local politics is both strategic and expansive.
On the other hand, Gatuslao, often described as elite in demeanor but known for his progressive policies and accessible leadership style, continues to appeal to a wide segment of Himamaylanons.
Election results
The official results from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) media server showed a clear message from the electorate. Raymund Tongson won a commanding mandate as mayor with 44,462 votes, defeating Genova, who garnered only 15,347 votes.
In contrast, the vice mayoral race was far more competitive: Gatuslao narrowly won with 31,541 votes, edging out ‘Third’ Tongson who garnered 28,455 votes.
With 77,802 registered voters in Himamaylan City, Tongson firmly holds the mayoralty, while Gatuslao’s victory proves his political strength endures despite cutting ties with his former running mate.
The close vice mayoral race speaks that voters increasingly demand checks and balances in governance and reject dynastic politics—a trend that, if leaders continue to promote, could erode public trust, weaken policy effectiveness, and drive greater civic disengagement.
Unrealized plan?
In the lead-up to the 2025 elections, sources reveal what seems to have been hidden from the public—a strategic plan between Tongson and Gatuslao to complete their final terms side by side, then swap roles in 2028.
Tongson was supposed to step into the vice mayor’s seat as Gatuslao aimed for the mayoralty, but shifting political tides following their 2024 fallout have made that plan unfeasible.
Some even speculate that the formation of the TongTong tandem was not merely a consequence of political fracture but a calculated move preparing for 2028.
Residents claim the Tongson family intends to elevate ‘Third’ to mayor while moving Rogelio to vice mayor—tightening their grip on local power and permanently edging Gatuslao out of the political scene.
However, fate seems to have other plans. With both Tongson and Gatuslao emerging victorious—though now as rivals—the next three years may be marked by strategic maneuvering, silent conflicts, or possibly reluctant cooperation. And all eyes are already looking toward 2028.
Will the city see a rematch between the now-divided camps? Will the TongTong tandem make a second attempt at the city leadership? Or could an unlikely reunion bring forth a new political brand—perhaps under the banner “GATO” (Gatuslao-Tongson)?
As Himamaylan sails under a leadership that, despite divisions, still holds considerable influence, residents are paying close attention, weighing the promises and records of local leaders, and preparing to make informed decisions that will impact the city’s direction for the years to come.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.