Draft:Raymond Alvin Garcia

Raymond Alvin Neri Garcia (born January 29, 1977) is a Filipino lawyer and politician currently serving as the Acting Mayor of Cebu City. He assumed the role on May 13, 2024, following the preventive suspension of Mayor Michael Rama. Prior to this, Garcia held the position of Vice Mayor of Cebu City. He is a member of the PDP-Laban political party and has been recognized for his contributions to public service, both as a city councilor and vice mayor.

Early Life and Education

Raymond Alvin Neri Garcia, born in 1977 to Trinidad Neri Garcia and Atty. Alvin Biaño Garcia, who later served as Mayor of Cebu City in the late 1990s, started his public service as a barangay councilor in Barangay Kamputhaw in the early 2010s after establishing a career in business. He holds a law degree from the University of San Carlos and a Master of Science in Business Administration from the University of Asia and the Pacific.

Political Career

Barangay Councilor (2013–2016)

Garcia was first elected as a barangay councilor in 2013 and quickly rose to prominence within local governance. In 2014, he became the President of the Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines (BCLP) Cebu City Chapter, where he focused on improving the welfare of barangay officials and expanding health programs for local communities.

Cebu City Council (2016–2022)

In 2016, Garcia won a seat on the Cebu City Council under the Kugi Uswag Sugbo party, which was founded by his father. During his time as a councilor, he became the majority floor leader and chaired several committees. He is recognized for authoring the most approved ordinances and resolutions in a single term, including key legislation such as the provision of gratuity pay for elected barangay officials, free school supplies for public elementary students, financial assistance to barangays during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a business tax amnesty ordinance.

Vice Mayor of Cebu City (2022–2024)

Garcia was elected Vice Mayor of Cebu City in the 2022 elections, securing the highest number of votes in the city's electoral history. During his term, he implemented several key initiatives, including gratuity pay for contract service employees, the establishment of the Cebu City Heritage District and Council, the institutionalization of the Rajah Tupas and Heritage Awards, and the promotion of Cebu City Arts. In addition to his responsibilities at the local level, Garcia served as Executive Vice President of the Vice Mayors' League of the Philippines and as President of its Cebu Chapter.

Acting Mayor of Cebu City (2024–present)

Assumption of Office

On May 13, 2024, Raymond Alvin Garcia was appointed as Acting Mayor of Cebu City following the six-month suspension of Mayor Michael Rama, who faced complaints related to staff reassignments and salary issues at the assessor’s office. Garcia took over the mayoral duties with a commitment to maintaining continuity in city operations and addressing employee grievances, particularly those surrounding unpaid salaries. In his first month as Acting Mayor, Garcia implemented budget cuts, including reducing the allocation for the Palarong Pambansa from P400 million to P262 million and trimming the Independence Day budget from P11 million to P3 million. He also expedited the release of overdue salaries for four city employees who had not been paid for ten months. Garcia emphasized his commitment to public service and aimed to address critical issues such as Cebu City's water crisis and traffic congestion.

Garcia also focused on diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes with local agencies, such as the Metropolitan Cebu Water District and the Cebu Port Authority. Despite his leadership changes, Garcia continued to express support for Mayor Rama during his suspension but indicated differences in their governance approaches.

2025 Mayoral Candidacy

As of August 2024, Garcia emerged as the frontrunner in the 2025 Cebu City mayoral elections, with significant voter support according to recent surveys. His growing popularity signals a potential shift in the city’s political landscape.

Controversies and Challenges

During his tenure as Acting Mayor, Garcia faced tensions with suspended Mayor Michael Rama, particularly over policy shifts and governance style. Rama publicly criticized Garcia's decisions regarding key projects, such as the Cebu City Medical Center and the city's handling of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024 event. Garcia responded by asserting his legal authority as Acting Mayor and maintained that his actions were aimed at benefiting Cebu City's residents.

In July 2024, Garcia and Rama delivered separate State of the City Addresses, with Garcia calling for an end to partisan politics and urging city officials to prioritize the welfare of Cebu City's residents.

Personal Life

Raymond Alvin Garcia is married to Julienne Kate Roska. He is also an active member of various civic organizations, including the Rotary Club of Cebu and the Alpha Kappa Rho fraternity, which have recognized him for his contributions to public service.

Recognition

Garcia's leadership and contributions to the community have earned him recognition from various organizations, including the Rotary Club of Cebu and the Alpha Kappa Rho fraternity.