DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite — A leadership transition has taken effect in Dasmariñas City following the proclamation of Mayor Jennifer “Jenny” Narvaez Austria-Barzaga as the new representative of Cavite’s 4th District after winning the special elections held on Saturday, August 29.
Based on the official count, Barzaga secured 201,893 votes, or 78.14 percent of the total votes cast. Former Vice Mayor Rex Mangubat placed second with 30,373 votes (11.76%), followed by Jess Frani with 24,350 votes (9.42%). Marvin Opamin Dupal-ag garnered 1,184 votes (0.46%), while Leysander Ordenes received 561 votes (0.21%).
With Barzaga’s assumption of a congressional post, Vice Mayor Third Barzaga automatically succeeded as city mayor, in accordance with the rules on succession under the Local Government Code of 1991.
The transition, however, leaves the position of vice mayor vacant. Under Section 44 of the law, the highest-ranking member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod—typically the councilor who obtained the highest number of votes in the last election—is next in line to assume the vice mayoralty.
Local officials have yet to release an official statement regarding the formal appointment or confirmation of the next vice mayor. Nevertheless, the process is expected to follow the legal framework governing succession in local government units.
Despite the changes in leadership, residents maintain high expectations for continuity in governance, particularly in delivering efficient, responsive, and accessible public services.
As Barzaga begins her term in Congress, she is expected to strengthen the representation of Dasmariñas at the national level, advancing policies and programs aimed at sustaining the city’s development and improving the quality of life of its constituents.
