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As part of Rappler’s election coverage, campus journalists who are shortlisted for the Aries Rufo Fellowship report key issues, political shifts, and power struggles in local races
MANILA, Philippines – At least 13 campus journalists, shortlisted as candidates for the 2025 Aries Rufo Fellowship, put a spotlight on updates and issues surrounding local elections across the Philippines.
In only a little over two weeks, they produced over 35 reports that covered the local campaign and election scene in at least 12 cities and municipalities in the country. Their participation — part of the screening process for the Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship — is also part of Rappler’s broader effort to deliver unique, timely, on-the-ground election updates.
Reporting voters’ concerns
Through field reports and interviews, the fellowship candidates surfaced issues that mattered to their local communities, from vote buying and disinformation, to gaps in support for the vulnerable sector and the youth.
Hershey Juan, a campus journalist from Daraga, Albay provided timely updates on the electoral atmosphere in Bicol. Her reports also covered broader regional developments, including Comelec Bicol’s issuance of over 40 show cause orders for alleged vote buying, and a retired judge’s complaint in Camarines Sur. The story sparked online engagement as others shared similar experiences in the comments section.
In Baguio City, Joem Thayer turned his lens on the youth vote and local political dynamics, especially as Baguio stood on the brink of possibly electing its first political dynasty. He spoke with young voters who, while welcoming the city’s growing tourism, called for greater support for students and educational institutions. These were concerns that they felt were being sidelined amid the city’s rapid development.
“It’s easy to look at Baguio City with rose-tinted glasses — its cool climate, beautiful scenery, and iconic landmarks…As the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines,’ tourists often overlook its deeper issues. Through this coverage, I hoped to give voice to citizens who feel overshadowed by the priorities of local leaders,” Thayer said as he reflected on his coverage.
Tracking tensions and triumph
Aside from amplifying voices in local communities, other fellow candidates also documented heated contests and significant political shifts.
Roland Andam Jr., a campus journalist from Tuguegarao City, closely followed key developments in Cagayan’s local races, including the election of the province’s new governor and the youngest elected mayor in the province, the daughter of a slain mayor who substituted for him after he was gunned downduring the campaign period. For Andam, one of the notable stories he covered was the exchange of disqualification (DQ) petitions between two mayoral candidates in Tuguegarao.
“[The story] helped inform the local voters and dispel rumors. There were efforts to disenfranchise people’s votes for one of the candidates. They were saying not to vote for that candidate anymore because he had a disqualification case, so their votes supposedly wouldn’t be counted in the election,” Andam explained.
Building on other diverse local election stories in Luzon, Leah Saagad of Los Baños, Laguna reported on the defeat of reelectionist Mayor Ton Genuino by a former district board member. Eirene Manatlao covered Trillanes’ “Bagong Caloocan” campaign, which fell short against longtime incumbent Along Malapitan.
Meanwhile, Izzy Daguay highlighted labor groups’ calls for higher wages and better governance, alongside Pampanga Congressman Jon Lazatin’s proclamation as Angeles City mayor; and Lorence Soto reported on the fall of the Velasco dynasty in Marinduque.
Amplifying issues from the regions
Adding to these election stories, Mindanao-based campus journalists Kean Bagaipo and Abdul Malawani provided critical insights from the region.
Bagaipo reported on the Uy-Jalosjos rivalry, which spilled into the party-list arena in Zamboanga del Norte, highlighting the broader political tensions at play.
Malawani, who is based in Marawi City, closely followed the local election landscape, reporting on protests by Marawi siege survivors over unmet government promises and raising concerns about red tape in proposed compensation amendments.
His coverage also highlighted the intensified online campaigns of the rival camps in Lanao del Sur, the gap between online polls and actual votes, and the violence that left three dead on election day. Malawani also wrapped up with key results, including the reelection of Lanao del Sur Governor Bombit Adiong and the Gandamras retaining Marawi’s top posts.
“For me, to openly discuss the political realities in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur is not a problem. Calling the Adiong family a political dynasty shouldn’t be taboo. It’s an issue that my kabangsa (fellow) Meranaws should be able to talk about without fear or regret,” Malawani said.
Turning to the Visayas, fellow candidates also covered significant local developments.
In Cebu City, Marjuice Destinado reported on dismissed mayor Michael Rama’s promise to complete the stalled Cebu City hospital within three months if reelected. The same coverage noted Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia’s continued streak of defying official orders, along with a lawyer’s filing of a disqualification petition against her for alleged misuse of public funds. Both Rama and Garcia lost their bid for reelection.
“These stories got people talking and rethinking the narratives they had grown used to, especially about these politicians who have held power here for so long,” Destinado said.
In Iloilo, two campus journalists from Miagao, Rey Mark Paran and Jasmine Kris Caleza, jointly reported on the bitter rivalry between former allies Garin and Napulan for the town’s mayoral post.
Meanwhile, in Biliran Province, Junmark Cabalquinto’s story brought attention to community issues like unemployment and water shortages in the municipality of Almeria. The Biliran political landscape remains dominated by the Espina dynasty, but the election also saw Biliran town elect its first-ever woman mayor.
“Someone also reached out to me and thanked the effort and courage to write about it because, according to him, we were being silenced in the past years, and seeing that there’s already media writing about key issues and the political dynasty in the province is hope-inducing,” Cabalquinto said.
You may find their other updates on the front-page chat room of the Rappler Communities app, and Rappler’s developing stories page of the 2025 Philippine elections. – Rappler.com
You can download the Rappler Communities app here: for iOS and for Android.
