Garcia’s expulsion comes on the heels of his filing for a Certificate of Candidacy as a representative for the second legislative district against Omar Duterte.
DAVAO CITY — The Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod Party (HTLP) announced the expulsion of Councilor Javi Garcia Campos on Tuesday, following a thorough evaluation and deliberation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 8, the party declared, “We have made the prudent decision to expel Mr. Javi Garcia-Campos from our party.”
Garcia’s expulsion comes on the heels of his filing for a Certificate of Candidacy as a representative for the second legislative district, a position previously held by his uncle, Vince Garcia. His opponent in the upcoming race is Omar Duterte, the eldest son of First District Representative Paolo Duterte and the grandson of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Garcia is running under the administration’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.
This recent conflict marks a significant shift in the long-standing political relationship between the Garcia and Duterte families.
Historically, the Garcias and the Dutertes have been allies in Davao’s political landscape since the mid-1980s. During this period, Garcia-Campos’ grandfather, the late Representative Manuel Garcia, served as a titular representative of the second legislative district, while Rodrigo Duterte and his siblings held positions in City Hall. The Garcia lineage has continued to maintain political representation through successive generations, with both Vince Garcia and Mylene Garcia-Albano also serving in office.
However, the alliance has begun to unravel, particularly when Omar Duterte ran for Barangay Captain of Buhangin, a vote-rich area in the district. This electoral challenge has intensified the rift, culminating in Garcia-Campos’ expulsion.
On October 7, HTLP also expelled the Al-ag siblings, Councilors Bernard E. Al-ag and Wilberto E. Al-ag, along with Punong Barangay Lilibeth Al-ag and Punong Barangay Bernadette Al-ag—due to their support for the Tingog Partylist.
In its statement regarding Garcia, HTLP emphasized, “This action arises from serious breaches of party loyalty and conduct. Despite our gratitude for Mr. Garcia’s past contributions to the people of Davao City, it has come to our attention that he has engaged in secretive activities with another political party known for its anti-people stance and opposition to the interests of Dabawenyos.”
Hugpong accused Garcia of betrayal, asserting, “Mr. Garcia’s actions, which include collusion with this opposing party, represent a clear violation of Article 7, Section 6(b) of our Party’s Constitution. This section outlines grounds for automatic expulsion for members who assist or collaborate with entities outside of Hugpong without prior approval. His betrayal undermines the trust and commitment that our party stands for and jeopardizes our shared mission to promote the welfare of our constituents.”
The statement also addressed broader loyalty issues, noting, “We must also confront the troubling reality that the current national administration has failed to provide essential funding to local officials loyal to the Duterte legacy. In this context, some members of Hugpong have been tempted with significant budget offers in exchange for their allegiance to rival factions. Such actions reflect a weakness in loyalty and a departure from our core mission of genuinely serving the people of Davao.”
The statement was signed by Vice President Sara Duterte, who serves as Secretary General of the party. As tensions rise between the Garcias and the Dutertes, this expulsion may signal a significant realignment in Davao City’s political landscape.
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.
