Pantukan, Davao de Oro – As the 2025 elections draw near, Pantukan Mayor Jhong Ceniza’s congressional run in the 2nd District of Davao de Oro is being scrutinized, with many questioning whether his decision is truly for public service or just a reaction to losing the backing of his former allies.
Ceniza, who initially sought the support of the Gonzaga political camp, is now running as an independent candidate after failing to secure their endorsement.
Instead, Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga and Governor Dorothy Gonzaga have thrown their support behind businessman Butchoy Taojo, the official candidate of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the party of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Ceniza did not take the Gonzagas’ decision lightly. In a social media interview, he implied that he was betrayed, voicing his frustration over their choice to back Taojo.
However, political analysts argue that political endorsements are not handed out on a silver platter—they are earned. The Gonzagas likely saw Taojo as a stronger, more qualified candidate who aligns with the national administration’s priorities.
“Ceniza’s reaction appears more like sour-graping than a principled political stand. Instead of respecting the decision, he’s trying to paint himself as a victim,” a local political observer commented.
In an attempt to discredit his former allies, Ceniza previously alleged that Gonzaga promised a P1.6 billion budget under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2025, as well as P10 million in “ayuda” for each mayor—funds that he claimed never materialized.
But in the latest development, it has been confirmed that the P1.6 billion budget for Gonzaga’s district has indeed been released. Furthermore, Malacañang even increased the assistance to P15 million per mayor, instead of the P10 million initially expected.
This revelation weakens Ceniza’s claims and raises questions about his credibility. Critics now see his accusations as politically motivated attempts to undermine his former allies rather than genuine concerns about governance.
Instead of presenting a clear platform, Ceniza’s campaign appears to focus on resentment over losing the Gonzagas’ support.
Critics argue that his decision to run is more about salvaging personal pride than serving the people, especially given his lack of concrete programs compared to his opponent, Butchoy Taojo, who enjoys strong backing from both local and national leaders.
“Instead of rallying people around a vision, Ceniza is focused on attacking the Gonzagas and the PFP. That’s not the leadership Davao de Oro needs,” a political strategist noted.
With the election season heating up, the people of Davao de Oro’s 2nd District will ultimately decide: Is Ceniza’s congressional bid truly about public service, or is it just a desperate move after losing political support?
