Political Analyst Sees South Cotabato Governor Tamayo as Potential 2028 Presidential Contender

In a recent blog post, political analyst Dr. John Ortiz Teope described South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo “Jun” Tamayo Jr. as a possible “dark horse” contender in the 2028 presidential race, citing his proven track record, grassroots leadership style, and overwhelming public trust.

Teope, an academician, researcher, and public safety advocate, drew parallels between the search for new national leaders and the country’s basketball team, noting that while the spotlight often falls on familiar names from political dynasties or showbiz, there may be “someone even more talented quietly sitting on the bench.” For him, that leader could be Tamayo.

Under Tamayo’s administration, South Cotabato has consistently garnered accolades for transparency and good governance, including multiple Seals of Good Local Governance and the title of most competitive province in Region XII. He also spearheaded flagship programs such as free education, free hospitalization, and agricultural modernization through rice mechanization—policies aimed at reducing the burdens of ordinary Filipinos.

On the national stage, Tamayo was elected president of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) in 2022 and later became the National President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines for two consecutive terms, an achievement only matched once before in the organization’s history.

Teope highlighted Tamayo’s 92.7% approval rating in a March 2025 survey as proof of his enduring popularity despite political opposition. He also praised the governor’s humility and empathy, citing his Reinforced Services Taskforce (RST) initiative that promotes community collaboration without political theatrics.

“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,” Teope wrote. He stressed that his article was not an endorsement but an invitation for Filipinos to consider leaders outside traditional power circles.

Teope concluded that Tamayo’s combination of integrity, track record, and sincerity could make him a genuine contender in 2028—appealing to voters looking for reform-oriented, non-dynastic leadership.