The Mandaue City Government is set to appoint former Cebu governor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III as consultant under the city administration, according to local officials.
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano and Davide previously worked together in the Cebu Provincial Board starting in 2016, when Davide served as vice governor while Ouano was then a board member representing Cebu’s 6th District before later becoming mayor of Mandaue City.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on confirmed in an interview on June 5, 2026, that the city government has yet to finalize the specific duties and scope of Davide’s appointment.
However, he said Davide’s background in provincial leadership is expected to contribute to policy discussions and governance initiatives.
“The mayor feels comfortable and iyang tan-aw makatabang pud niya sa mga advices ba as a senior leader,” Malig-on said, referring to Davide’s experience as former governor and vice governor of Cebu.
Malig-on added that the city is initially looking at assigning Davide as adviser or consultant on political affairs and policy development.
“More or less ingon ana ang direction,” he said.
He noted that discussions are ongoing regarding the formal terms of engagement, but emphasized that the role will likely focus on governance and policy guidance.
Malig-on also pointed to Davide’s credentials in public service.
“Walay maka question sa experience and competence ni former governor and former vice governor Davide,” he said.
“He actually suits in Mandaue because he lives in Mandaue,” Malig-on added, noting that Davide also has family ties in the city.
On June 3, 2026, Mayor Ouano posted on social media about Davide’s visit to City Hall, reflecting on their past working relationship in the provincial government.
Ouano recalled that despite political differences during their time in the Cebu Provincial Board, Davide treated him with respect and professionalism.
“Dili nako makalimtan nga pag-sulod nako sa Provincial Board niadtong 2016, bisan usa ko sa opposition board members at the time, he never made me feel isolated,” Ouano wrote.
“Instead, he treated me with respect and professionalism, something I have always appreciated throughout our nine years together in the Cebu Provincial Government,” he added.
The mayor also expressed optimism about working with Davide again, this time in the Mandaue City Government.
“Looking forward to working with you once again, this time here in the City of Mandaue,” Ouano said.
Davide previously served as the 26th governor of Cebu from 2013 to 2019 and later as its 17th vice governor from 2019 to 2025.
He is the son of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. and has long been active in both legal and political fields.
Davide previously ran for representative of Cebu’s 2nd District in the 2025 midterm elections but lost to incumbent Rep. Edsel Galeos.
Photo courtesy of Mayor Jonkie Ouano / Facebook
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