CAGAYAN de Oro City Councilor Malvern Esparcia has yet to finalize his political plans for the 2025 elections, revealing on September 30 that he is weighing whether to continue his political career or step away.
Esparcia said he will make a final decision tomorrow, October 2, after a private meeting with a representative of an unnamed national political party.
While Esparcia expressed a desire to pursue his political career independently, he acknowledged the challenges of running without party support.
“Di ko gusto nga naa’y utang kabubut-on,” said Esparcia, emphasizing the need to clarify the intentions of the national party offering support should he seek re-election.
Esparcia noted that his incumbency gives him a degree of influence in local barangays, but he still has much to consider.
“At the end of the day ang katawhan man gihapon ang muhusga ani,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of building his network, recalling how he started his political career without significant backing.
“This is the time that I have to create my own network, bahala’g ginagmay lang sab kay again I started this career nga walang wala gyud. Di mansad ko kapitan. So, I think mao na ni nga panahon (to create my own network),” added Esparcia.
When asked if he would join the ‘Asdang’ movement led by fellow Councilor James Judith, Esparcia refrained from committing to join forces with Judith but noted that while they are friends, their political styles differ.
“Sya (Judith), attack-attack-attack. Makasabot ko sa iyang personality kay abogado man gud sya. Ako, gapamili ko sa akong battles,” he explained, contrasting his more measured approach.
Esparcia confirmed that regardless of his decision to run, he will support Mayor Rolando Uy’s re-election campaign.
Meanwhile, Judith has already solidified his plans, leading his ‘Asdang’ team and campaigning for former Councilors Reuben Daba and Eric Salcedo.
Judith had previously stated that Esparcia would join his team, but Esparcia now appears focused on carving out his identity in the local political landscape.
“It’s time for a new trend in politics where individual performance matters more than party affiliation,” Judith said, expressing confidence in his decision.
Both Esparcia and Judith left the team of former Mayor Oscar Moreno’s ally, Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin Rodriguez, and initially joined Uy’s camp, but were excluded from Uy’s official slate, prompting them to chart separate paths.
