Former Iloilo Governor Arthur D. Defensor Sr. has officially endorsed Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque as his chosen candidate for vice governor in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, calling her the “right choice” to help transform provincial politics.
In a public statement, Defensor Sr.—an undefeated political veteran and former 3rd District congressman—expressed strong confidence in Debuque’s leadership potential.
“I hope that Lee Ann Debuque will be the game changer in the politics of Iloilo,” Defensor Sr. said. “She is the right choice. We are capable of changing the kind of politics we have, and this election is the beginning of realizing our people’s dreams for a government that truly serves.”
Defensor Sr. said the province’s voters deserve a vice governor chosen based on performance and integrity, not political patronage.
Debuque, the current mayor of Anilao and the running mate of incumbent Gov. Arthur R. “Toto” Defensor Jr., has also earned the full backing of the province’s 4th District under Rep. Ferjenel Biron and the 2nd District under Rep. Mike Gorriceta.
Gov. Toto Defensor, now serving his final term, has urged constituents to support Debuque, describing her candidacy as aligned with his governance vision.
“The candidacy of Lee Ann Debuque is also my candidacy,” Gov. Defensor said. “We need a vice governor who understands good governance and who can ensure that programs reach every barangay.”
Debuque is known for her achievements in local governance and community development. In 2016, she became the youngest mayor in the Philippines at age 22.
Her administration has since been recognized six times by the Department of the Interior and Local Government with the Seal of Good Local Governance, citing fiscal transparency, accountable leadership, and service delivery.
She was also named “Social Protection Executive Champion” and “National Gawad Parangal Outstanding Local Chief Executive” in 2021 and 2022 for her welfare programs for women, youth, and the elderly. Under her watch, Anilao’s Banaag Festival won national awards for Best Tourism Event in 2018 and 2019.
A licensed industrial pharmacist and graduate of the University of the Philippines Manila, Debuque also has a strong educational background, tracing her roots to families of public servants and educators in Dumangas, Janiuay, and Anilao.
Her late father, Joel “Batok” Debuque, served as Anilao mayor from 2001 to 2007, while her mother, Matet Formacion-Debuque, continued the family’s public service legacy after Batok’s passing, helping establish the Banaag Festival and serving on the Janiuay municipal council.
Debuque is also internationally trained, having attended leadership and development conferences in the United States, South Korea, and Thailand.
She has been re-elected mayor in 2019 and 2022 and currently serves as an officer in the League of Municipalities of the Philippines.
“I am ready for the challenges ahead,” Debuque said. “You can count on me to bring continuous progress and pride to the Ilonggo people.”
