Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and her entire Ormoc Development Team swept all elective positions in the 2025 local elections, capping a heated campaign season with a decisive mandate from the people.
The proclamation took place Tuesday afternoon, May 13, inside the packed Session Hall of the Ormoc City Hall, where the City Board of Canvassers also conducted the official canvassing of votes.
Vice Mayor-elect Leo Carmelo “Toto” Locsin Jr. was proclaimed alongside the full slate of winning councilors before Torres-Gomez was formally declared mayor. All candidates ran under the Ormoc Development Team, with a campaign slogan promising continued peace, progress, and order in the city.
Full Ormoc Development Team takes city posts
The victory comes after a high-stakes campaign that, according to Torres-Gomez, was one of the toughest she has faced. Holding back tears as she received her certificate of proclamation from the Commission on Elections, she said the emotional moment stemmed from recalling the trials and threats experienced during the campaign period.
She shared that there were moments when the situation felt dangerous and overwhelming, yet the support and coordination of her team pulled them through.
Richard Gomez, Fourth District of Leyte representative and the reelected mayor’s husband, stood by her side during the proclamation. He, too, is leading in the congressional race and credited their victory to a focused and disciplined campaign.
He described the election as a “beautiful war,” explaining that their team remained strategic throughout the race. They knew exactly where their strengths and vulnerabilities lay, which helped them navigate the challenges with precision.
The proclamation of all councilors aligned with Torres-Gomez marks a complete victory for the Ormoc Development Team, securing the administration’s control over both the executive and legislative branches of the city government.
Public support surges behind Torres-Gomez leadership
Ormoc residents turned out in strong numbers to reaffirm their support for the Gomez-led leadership, which has been praised for transforming the city through infrastructure, tourism, and health initiatives.
Observers noted that the Ormoc Development Team’s consistent messaging and long-standing presence in the community gave them an edge, even in a politically tense environment. The team’s visibility and their record of public service helped cement trust among voters.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.