UNIFIED LEADERSHIP: Defensor-Debuque Tandem Triumphs in Iloilo 2025 Polls

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Incumbent Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. and vice gubernatorial candidate Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque clinched Iloilo’s top provincial posts in the May 2025 elections.

Defensor, running unopposed, secured 811,746 votes for his third and final term, based on the official certificate of canvass released by the Iloilo Provincial Board of Canvassers on Tuesday, May 13—the same day he and Debuque were proclaimed.

Debuque, the outgoing three-term mayor of Anilao, won a closely contested race against former Vice Gov. Raul “Boboy” Tupas with 547,462 votes (51.95 percent) to Tupas’ 500,863 (47.53 percent).

Independent candidate Toto Velasco received 5,500 votes (0.52 percent).

The 31-year-old’s victory in her first provincial race is widely credited to her grassroots leadership in Anilao, youthful appeal and endorsement from Defensor.

Debuque, who served as Anilao mayor since 2016, thanked Iloilo voters for what she called a show of trust in young leaders and confidence in her partnership with the governor.

“From the very start, I never saw my age as a disadvantage,” she said.

“This victory is not just mine—it’s a testament that young Ilonggos have a rightful place in public service,” she added.

“I’m deeply honored and committed to repay this trust with sincere, honest and effective service.”

Defensor also thanked voters for backing his running mate, whose values and vision he said align with the province’s development roadmap, the Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive and Resilient (MoRProGRes) Iloilo.

“I asked the Ilonggos to support Lee Ann, and they did,” Defensor said.

“Her energy and dedication will help propel our programs forward. I believe we make a strong, complementary team.”

Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor, the governor’s brother, who also won re-election, called the Defensor-Debuque tandem a “perfect match for good governance.”