DAVAO CITY (May 13) – At just 25 years old, Clarice Jubahib defied all odds and toppled a political titan.
In a stunning upset, the fresh Ateneo graduate defeated former House Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, a seasoned lawmaker and national figure who once held the fourth most powerful position in the country as leader of the House of Representatives.
A professional lawyer, Alvarez served multiple terms as Davao del Norte’s 1st District congressman. He was known for his central role in major legislative battles, including pushing for federalism and key Duterte-era policies.
But this time, Alvarez was no match for a young woman armed only with sincerity and service.
Clarice, daughter of Governor Edwin “Kuya Gov” Jubahib, entered the race with no previous experience in elected office. She was mocked as a “ghost employee,” dismissed as “too young,” and accused of being part of a budding dynasty. Her critics said she couldn’t stand on her own.
She didn’t fight back with anger. “I understand the doubts,” she told Newsline. “But I’ll prove myself through service.”
She did just that—quietly, humbly, and consistently. Rather than attack, she chose to listen.
Clarice stood beside flood victims in Panabo, handed out food packs herself, and sat with farmers, students, and mothers. She was “Ate Clang-Clang” on the trail—a big sister, not a politician. She rallied crowds with: “Atong sulayan ang serbisyong para sa tanan!” (Let’s strive to provide service to everyone.)
Her authenticity resonated. Clarice had clinched nearly 208,000 votes by election night, trouncing seasoned contenders. Alvarez, the former Speaker, placed a distant third with only 110,056 votes.
“This victory is not mine alone,” she said, voice trembling at her proclamation. “Ito ay tagumpay ng bawat Dabaonon na naghahangad ng tunay na pagbabago.” (This is the triumph of every Davaoeño who longs for genuine change.)
Clarice now steps into history as one of the country’s youngest vice governors. Her victory wasn’t just a generational shift but a values shift.
As she prepares to assume office on June 30, Davao del Norte looks to a new chapter, led by a woman whose strength is not measured by years in power, but by purpose and principle.
“Ang kabatan-onan ang pag-asa ng ating lalawigan,” she declares. “The youth are the hope of our province.”
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
