A comprehensive province-wide survey conducted by Transparency Good Governance and Accountability Advocates together with Visayas Social Pulse has identified the top 15 performing councilors across Negros Oriental for the fourth quarter of 2025, with the highest-rated officials achieving approval ratings above 94 percent.
The survey, conducted from January 10-25, 2026, involved 7,500 randomly selected registered voters from various municipalities and cities within the province. With a sampling margin of error of ±1 percent and a confidence level of 95 percent, the evaluation aimed to provide an accurate reflection of public sentiment, trust, and performance approval.
Top Five Performers Lead with Over 92% Approval
Leading the rankings with a 94.60% approval rating were five councilors tied for the top position: Thirdy Bouffard, Rey Lyndon Lawas, Inday Jane Cardenas, and Reynaldo Tuanda Jr. These officials demonstrated exceptional performance across all evaluation criteria during the assessment period.
The second tier, achieving 94.05% approval, included Tata Capulso, Rina Goñi, Clint Charles Delmo, Gino Mijares, and Edwin Omoso. Close behind at 93.50% were Marife Cordova, Stanley Fortugaleza, Archie Gentiles, Clark Serion, and Ralph Angelo Andaya.
Fourth place went to Bimbong Megio, Dean David Ang, Anna Jay Ortega, Jonathan Dingal, and Alvin Lance Trinidad with 93.20% approval ratings. Rounding out the top five were Jim Torres Gara, RJ Banquerigo, Arnold Lape, Dino Abiera, Chard Cardenas, and Clem Banua at 92.90%.
Comprehensive Evaluation Methodology
According to the survey organizers, the quarterly evaluation assessed councilors based on vital parameters of their legislation including leadership, policy formulation, development planning, health services, crisis and disaster management, accountability, peace and order, and public service delivery.
The assessment also evaluated councilors' competence, community participation, and public visibility among other factors. This rigorous methodology was designed to provide a comprehensive view of each official's performance in their respective roles.
The independent and non-commissioned "Boses ng Bayan" survey was part of the larger local poll "Tingog sa Katawhan," which aimed to gauge public opinion on local government performance across the province.
Middle Tier Rankings Show Strong Performance
The sixth through tenth positions maintained strong approval ratings above 91 percent. Ranking sixth with 92.75% were EJ Uy, Woodtamm Maquiling, Franklyn Sesmeña, Joy Calinagan, and Rene Gargoles.
Seventh place went to Diego Santiago, Bing-Bing Arbolado, Bingbong Tadita, and Romeo Alviola with 92.35% approval. The eighth tier included JV Imbo, Elma Zanisi, Flor Trinidad, Jane Albina, and Florante Partosa at 92%.
Ninth position was held by Glendon Nochefranca, Renz Macion, Darren Nipshagen, and Jose Manuel Montebon with 91.50%. The tenth rank included Bernice Elmaco, Nestle Villacampa, Gevelyn Palumar, Gerard Jun Borromeo, and Dodong Zuniega at 91.20%.
Lower Top 15 Rankings Still Show Strong Public Support
Even the lower rankings within the top 15 demonstrated significant public approval, with all rated officials achieving approval ratings above 89 percent. The eleventh position included Lisa Tinaco, Romulo Alforque, and Melbourne Bustamante with 90.55% approval.
Twelfth place went to Larry Rodriguez, Bernadeth Bato, Nelson Faburada, and Dennis Omoso at 90.35%. The thirteenth tier included Nelson Bandoles, Herman Carballo, and James Bryan Solitana with 89.90% approval ratings.
Fourteenth position was held by Emilio Yoldi, Monika Gustillo, and Mercy Uy at 89.50%. The fifteenth and final position in the top rankings included Mike Vito Abing, Mark Fidencio, Aurelia Pristine Abrio, and Cocoy Nuico with 89.15% approval.
Survey Scope and Statistical Reliability
The survey's statistical reliability was ensured through its large sample size of 7,500 randomly selected registered voters distributed across various municipalities and cities within Negros Oriental. The ±1 percent margin of error and 95% confidence level provide high statistical confidence in the results.
The random selection process aimed to ensure fair representation across different demographic groups and geographical areas within the province. This methodology was designed to eliminate bias and provide an accurate snapshot of public opinion regarding councilor performance.
The timing of the survey, conducted in late January 2026, allowed respondents to evaluate performance based on the complete fourth quarter of 2025, providing a comprehensive assessment period for judgment.
Governance Accountability Initiative
According to the survey organizers, this regular rigorous and extensive process aimed to uphold principles of fairness and inclusivity while providing invaluable insights into the performance of public officials. The initiative contributes to effective governance across the region and the nation as a whole.
The quarterly nature of these evaluations ensures continuous monitoring of public official performance, creating accountability mechanisms that benefit both the officials and the communities they serve. This systematic approach to performance evaluation represents a significant step toward transparent governance.
The survey results serve multiple purposes: they provide feedback to councilors about their performance, inform voters about their representatives' effectiveness, and create benchmarks for improvement in public service delivery.
Recognition and Congratulations
The survey organizers extended congratulations to all councilors who made the top 15 rankings, acknowledging their dedication to public service and their constituents. The recognition highlights the importance of effective local governance in addressing community needs and concerns.
The high approval ratings across all top 15 positions suggest that Negros Oriental residents are generally satisfied with their local representation, with the lowest-ranked official in the top 15 still achieving nearly 90% approval.
This positive performance evaluation reflects well on the province's local governance structure and suggests effective representation across various municipalities and cities within Negros Oriental.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Kenneth/Telegram