by Dr. Rodolfo John Ortiz Teope, PhD, EdD
Watching the Gilas Pilipinas basketball game as usual on my 85-inch flat TV revealed a shameful margin of defeat. I reflect internally, "These are prominent millionaire athletes, and this is the sole manner in which they can contribute points on the basketball court in representation of our nation." In a snap, I contemplate the 2028 presidential race as an academician, researcher, public safety advocate, and political spectator with a digging critical thought; the names
that crop up tend to be familiar—either borne by dynasties or mass-media celebrities. Similar to the Gilas Pilipinas team, all the players are superstars; however, there may be someone even more talented quietly sitting on the bench somewhere in the country. In the concept of genuine public service, there’s a figure quietly rising in the country’s provincial
heartland who might just surprise us all: Governor Reynaldo “Jun” Tamayo Jr. of
South Cotabato. His steady leadership, grounded humility, and unwavering public service may not garner headlines, but they are the very qualities that often win hearts in the end.
Governor Tamayo’s public record is one of tangible impact.
Under his administration, South Cotabato strengthened its reputation for
transparency and good governance, earning repeated recognition, including the
prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance, and being named the most competitive
province in Region XII (South Cotabato government, 2025). Such praise isn’t lip service—it’s a
testament to effective, accountable leadership that delivers public value
consistently.
Tamayo also championed progressive social policies. His
administration launched programs for free education, free hospitalization, and
mechanization of rice production—initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized
sectors and reducing the daily burdens of ordinary Filipinos (South Cotabato
government, 2025). Such
programs reflect a leader who doesn’t just promise improvement—he builds it.
Beyond local innovations, Tamayo has demonstrated leadership
on a national scale. In 2022, he was elected president of the Partido Federal
ng Pilipinas (PFP), positioning him at the forefront of a rising political
movement (Rappler, 2022). And from July 2025 to 2028,
he was unanimously re-elected as National President of the League of
Provinces of the Philippines, making him only the second governor in its
history to hold that position for two successive terms (South Cotabato News, 2025). These roles are not
ceremonial. They reflect his peers’ trust in his integrity, unity-driven
leadership, and vision for provincial governance.
Despite facing political opposition and misinformation,
Tamayo enjoys overwhelming support among his constituents. A March 2025 survey
revealed he enjoys a remarkable 92.7% approval among registered voters in South
Cotabato, dwarfing rivals—an extraordinary validation of public trust (South
Cotabato News, 2025). This suggests that even when politics turns contentious, his character and
service endure in the public’s esteem.
What makes Tamayo especially compelling is his grounded
persona. He embodies humility and empathy—not flashy charisma but a sincere
kind of leadership. He initiated a grassroots advocacy campaign called the Reinforced
Services Taskforce (RST) back in 2010, aimed at bringing communities, leaders,
and stakeholders together for shared service and progress (MindaNews, 2024). He aimed to rally communities towards a shared vision, without resorting to grandstanding or empty slogans.
I also consider notable the absence of elitist airs in his
approach. He focuses on addressing everyday challenges—like access to healthcare, education, and agricultural modernization—without the need for
political theatrics. That sensibility stands out in contrast to many national
figures who rely more on spectacle than substance. Tamayo’s leadership is rooted in quiet action, mutual respect, and tangible results.
This combination of traits—humble leadership, consistent
service, peer-validated influence, and deep constituent trust—naturally positions him as a political underdog, building momentum not through hype but through reputation and performance. As Inquirer opinion writers have noted, the
nation yearns for reform-oriented, non-dynastic leaders—“dark horses” who
emerge through public service and integrity, not political inheritance or
showmanship (Inquirer, 2025). Tamayo has the potential to fulfill this role. I confidently predict a significant surprise victory for him if he stays true to himself and distances himself from supporters and political managers who are just taking advantage of his kindness for monetary and opportunity purposes.
It’s easy to underestimate leaders like him, whose work is
embedded in the rhythm of local governance. However, politics often surprises us when these leaders rise to higher positions. The electorate in 2028 wants
someone untarnished by dynasty politics, respected by peers, and proven in
service; Tamayo has already built the foundation. In this era of monetarily operated political climates, this provincial governor from Mindanao stands out as the best alternative public servant suited to administering our nation.
In summary, my purpose in writing this blog is not to support a potential presidential candidate, but rather to offer the Filipino people an alternative option for their ballot in 2028. Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. isn’t flashy, and he
isn’t trying to be. He’s a servant-leader whose character, empathy, and results
quietly command trust and affection. In a contest where integrity, track record, sincerity, patriotism, and substance
may again outweigh celebrity and name recall, he stands ready to emerge—not as
a long shot, but as a genuine contender whose leadership resonates with
Filipinos searching for genuine change for a progressive, responsible, and organized democracy toward a realizable sustainable national development.
The essence of a dark horse isn’t being unknown—it’s being unassuming but real.
References
Inquirer Opinion. (2025, February 18). Dark horses for the
2028 presidential race. Philippine Daily Inquirer.
MindaNews. (2024, September 22). SoGovernor Tamayo of South Cotabato announces his bid for a third term. Mindanews.
Rappler. (2022, July 28). Who is Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., the
new head of governors in the Philippines? Rappler.
South Cotabato News. (2025, March 21). Gov. Tamayo enjoys
full support from South Cotabateños amid desperate political attacks. SouthCotabatoNews.com.
South Cotabato News. (2025, July 25). Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo
Jr. re-elected as LPP national president for 2025–2028. SouthCotabatoNews.com.
South Cotabato Government. (2025). Programs in South
Cotabato under Governor Tamayo: Free education, free hospitalization,
mechanization of rice production, and good governance recognition. South Cotabato'sfficial data summary.
