‘STRONG FINISH’: How Debuque Pulled Off an Upset in Iloilo’s Vice Gubernatorial Race

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Across Iloilo’s five districts, familiar names dominate the congressional races, but Ilonggos have a way of surprising—especially in the hotly contested race for vice governor.

Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque emerged as a surprise running mate of reelectionist Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., who is seeking his third and final term in the 2025 midterm elections.

Unlike the surnames Tupas, Biron and Gorriceta—long associated with entrenched political dynasties—Debuque was a newcomer at the provincial level, making her candidacy unexpected.

She was first elected mayor of Anilao at age 22, succeeding her mother.

Now 31, the neophyte politician defeated a formidable rival: veteran politician Raul “Boboy” Tupas.

Tupas served as Iloilo vice governor from 2013 to 2016, then as 5th District representative from 2016 to 2025.

In the official tally, Debuque received 547,462 votes, or 51.95% of votes cast, beating Tupas, who earned 500,863 votes, or 47.53%.

Debuque won by a margin of 46,599 votes.

The loss marks Tupas’ first electoral defeat since entering politics in 2001 as mayor of Barotac Viejo.

“We are very happy with the results that we have, considering that I am still a newbie and a newcomer to provincial politics,” she said ahead of her proclamation.

While Tupas remained a powerhouse in his 5th District stronghold, his support weakened elsewhere in the province as he ran without a gubernatorial counterpart.

Debuque swept the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Districts, buoyed by endorsements from incumbent congressmen and local mayors allied with the Defensor administration.

Even in the 1st District—a Garin stronghold—Debuque held her ground despite the absence of a formal endorsement from the Garin family.

In her own words, even Debuque didn’t expect to lead in multiple districts.

“I did not expect that I would dominate, but I am optimistic, especially with the warm welcome we received across the district during the campaign,” she said.

Embed code for web only:

A closer look at voting patterns reveals that Debuque performed strongly in vote-rich areas such as Passi City, Oton, Dumangas, Pototan, Lambunao, Santa Barbara and Miagao.

Often dismissed by critics as too young or inexperienced, Debuque flipped the narrative and positioned herself as a symbol of generational change and responsive leadership.

“We always thought that our age is an advantage, especially that we will be reaching out to far-flung areas of the province […] The results of the elections have proven that the youth have a place in public service,” she said.

“I think the Ilonggos saw our sincerity and our vision for the province, which is aligned with the plans of our governor for his last three years,” she added.

In his concession statement, Tupas acknowledged the democratic process and called on his supporters to respect the people’s will.

“Despite the challenges of the campaign, we strove to maintain respect toward everyone, whether ally or opponent,” he said.

His wife, Binky Tupas, said Raul did not expect anything from the elections but was prepared for whatever the results.

Binky will take over her husband’s post as 5th District representative.

“As a mother, what happened to my husband is sad, but at the same time, I am happy that he will now have time for our children because I will be adjusting in my first term as congresswoman,” she said.

Defensor expressed confidence that with Debuque as vice governor, he can have a “strong finish” in his final term.

As vice governor, Debuque will preside over the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the province’s legislative body.

She said she will prioritize healthcare, education and tourism in her term.