A Political Earthquake: Team Asenso Wipes Out Opposition in Misamis Occ

DAVAO CITY (May 14)— The votes have been cast, the numbers have been tallied, and the verdict is clear: Team Asenso has redrawn the political map of Misamis Occidental.

In a historic sweep, Governor Henry S. Oaminal and his entire slate delivered a crushing blow to their opponents in the 2025 midterm elections, capturing every major elective post in the province—from the Capitol to the councils. Observers are calling it a political tsunami. For Team Asenso, it was a sweet, swift victory. For the opposition, it was devastating.

A Victory Written in Bold Numbers

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed the landslide re-election of Governor Oaminal with 292,170 votes, a staggering 88% of total ballots cast. His closest challenger received just 37,700 votes. Running mate Rowena Gutierrez also won big, securing 280,631 votes, while her rival garnered only 37,844.

“This is an overwhelming show of trust from the people,” Oaminal said at his proclamation. “I am deeply humbled and grateful.”

In an interview with Newsline, the Governor called the results a challenge: “This is a call for us to work harder and be even more responsive to the needs of our people through honest and efficient governance.”

Opponents Obliterated, Political Map Redrawn

The wave of support for Team Asenso didn’t stop at the Capitol. In the First Congressional District, incumbent Jason Almonte won re-election with 119,168 votes, compared to 27,854 for his challenger. In the Second District, the governor’s son, Sancho Fernando “Ando” Oaminal, secured a fresh mandate with 175,001 votes, against only 12,500 from his lone opponent.

The Provincial Board? Swept clean. All ten seats, five per district, went to Team Asenso candidates:

Even the nearest independent rivals barely crossed 14,000 votes, confirming a total electoral wipeout of opposition voices at the provincial level.

Unity from Cities to Barangays

Beyond the Capitol, Team Asenso’s victory was absolute. Under the same banner, all three city mayors, 14 municipal mayors, vice mayors, and entire council slates across Misamis Occidental were declared winners. The 2022 elections saw the team rise to dominance, but 2025 marked total political consolidation.

“We are now one province, under one team, working toward one vision,” Oaminal declared. “There are no longer barriers between us—only bridges we need to build.”

 Mandate to Deliver

Oaminal’s sweeping victory comes with expectations. His “5M Vision”—Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon (Misamisnons living in peace, prosperity, and happiness), was central to his campaign.

Under his leadership, Misamis Occidental was declared insurgency-free in 2023, achieved declining crime rates, and witnessed infrastructure breakthroughs like the Panguil Bay Bridge. Social services like free hospitalization for indigent families also earned widespread praise.

A local businessman told Newsline, “Governor Oaminal delivered on his promises. His leadership is strong and proactive. This is why people didn’t just vote, they voted all-in.”

Even at the national level, Oaminal’s influence is extending. Based on initial tallies, the Asenso Pinoy party list, which he founded to represent grassroots development initiatives nationwide, is projected to secure at least one seat in Congress. The governor’s entry into the House of Representatives is expected to amplify his advocacy for rural progress, replicating Misamis Occidental’s programs on a national scale.

No Opposition, No Excuses

With no political opposition left in office, some watchdogs remind leaders to remain accountable. Civil society groups say the real challenge begins now: translating this massive mandate into inclusive and transparent governance.

Oaminal acknowledged the weight of responsibility, “We will serve everyone, in every town and city, regardless of politics. This victory is for all Misamisnons.”

He commended the COMELEC, police, and military for ensuring a peaceful election, and thanked voters for participating in a campaign marked by unity, not division.

A Province United, A Chapter Begins

As the sun sets on the 2025 elections, Misamis Occidental opens a new chapter of unified leadership, bold vision, and heightened expectations.

In the words of Governor Oaminal, “This is no longer about winning. This is about delivering. And we will prove, day by day, that your trust was not misplaced.”

The people have spoken. Team Asenso has risen. For now, Misamis Occidental is one province, team, and direction.