CEBU CITY – An influential political clan in Danao City, Cebu is backing the candidacy of a philanthropist, who is going up against the formidable incumbent Gov. Gwen Garcia.
THE Durano clan led by its patriarch Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon ‘Nito’ Durano III (third from right) introduces its full slate for the 2025 elections on Friday, October 11. (MyTVCebu)
The Duranos, led by Danao Vice Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III, is backing the candidacy of Pamela "Pam" Baricuatro, one of the two candidates challenging Garcia’s bid for a sixth term as Cebu governor.
The Durano family leads the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud).
In a press conference on Friday, October 11, the vice mayor said that Bakud’s support for Baricuatro is part of the party’s vision to bring change to the province.
"Yes, para sa kausaban (for change), I will support Pam Baricuatro," Durano said.
The Duranos supporting Baricuatro was somewhat expected as the Garcias have been staunch rivals of the political kingpins in Danao.
In 2022, Nito’s son, former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, ran but lost to Garcia for governor.
It was in the same press event that Bakud presented its full slate for the 2025 elections.
Nito is seeking a comeback as mayor of Danao, a position currently occupied by his son Thomas Mark "Mix" Durano, who is running for the fifth district representative seat.
Mix will face Rep. and Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, the husband of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, who is the daughter of Gov. Garcia.
Mix’s brother, Ramond “Red” Durano VI, lost to Duke in the 2022 elections.
Nito will face former ally and nephew Migs Magpale, son of former Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.
Nito just shrugged off Migs’ decision to go up against him.
"We are a free country, a democracy. So, for me, you can do anything," Nito, who admitted discussing the issue with Migs but to no avail.
Nito’s running mate will be his daughter, Carmen Remedios "Ivy" Durano, while his eldest son, Red Durano VI, will vie for mayor in Poro town, Camotes Island.