Law Fortun beats ex-congresswoman Charito Plaza in Butuan mayoral race

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Butuan Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun's campaign for the city's top post had been methodical, leaning on grassroots networks, a reformist message, and quiet but effective machinery

MANILA, Philippines – Butuan Vice Mayor Lawrence “Law” Fortun emerged as the next mayor of Caraga’s regional center, defeating former Agusan del Norte representative Charito Plaza in a contest that was anything but quiet.

The 53-year-old Fortun, who ran under the Nacionalista Party (NP), was proclaimed winner on Tuesday, May 13. The announcement followed a canvassing of votes that saw him steadily widen the gap against Plaza, a seasoned opponent with a loyal base who once served as director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

As of Wednesday afternoon, May 14, nearly all precincts – 99.63% – had reported. Fortun had amassed 101,271 votes, representing 45.89% of Butuan’s 220,694 registered voters. It was a decisive win, not just in numbers but in narrative: a local official, once seen as the steady second, rising above a longtime provincial power broker in a race that many thought would be far closer.

Fortun’s campaign had been methodical, leaning on grassroots networks, a reformist message, and quiet but effective machinery. Plaza, for her part, ran on name recognition and experience but struggled to counter Fortun’s slow but sure consolidation of local support.

Three other candidates – Pobreng Makalooy Bunal, Dickston Morano Sr., and Danie Boy Cublan – garnered less than one percent of the vote combined.

Another NP bet, Rey Desiata, ran for vice mayor unopposed. With 112,426 votes, he would succeed Fortun in Butuan’s second-highest post.

Reelectionist Agusan del Norte  Representative Jose “Joboy” Aquino II of Lakas-CMD ran unopposed and secured 107,879 votes, or 48.88%, based on Wednesday’s partial count.

His running mate in the previous elections, Butuan Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, is serving his final term, and opted not to run for public office in this year’s elections.

Fortun, a lawyer by profession, took to social media when his victory became apparent, thanking those who supported him. He promised to lead with integrity and promote “proactive, inclusive, transparent” governance, calling on residents to set aside political divisions and build “a Butuan that is not only smart and strong, but just, kind, and truly the people’s.” – Rappler.com