Fierce Zambo political rivals reunite ahead of 2025 polls

ZAMBOANGA CITY – In a sudden twist of fate that stunned local residents, fierce political rivals and former mayors Celso Lobregat and Beng Climaco have united following a photo of the two together that went viral in social media.

The photo, posted by the 57-year old Climaco on her Facebook page, shows the duo grinning with their arms on each other. The picture was taken outside Climaco’s house here.

Former mayors and fierce political rivals Beng Climaco and Celso Lobregat. This undated photo taken outside Climaco's house was also posted by the duo in their respective Facebook pages.

“Kairos! Qadar! Na propio tiempo de Dios el reunion (In God’s time the reunion). Time heals all wounds. Ya aclara las cosas con humilde corazon y ya abri el mano de abrazos para reuni con amistad acordando el maga deseo de Ninang Caling y mio Tata para ayuda con el Ciudad de Zamboanga! El amor con Dios, Nuestra Madre del Pilar y San Jose amo ta impuja uni para el bien estar de Zamboanga!” Climaco wrote in the caption.

(He has already clarified things with a humble heart and has already opened his hand of hugs to meet with friendship, agreeing to the great wish of Ninang Caling and my father to help with Zamboanga City! The love with God, Our Mother of Pilar and San Jose reunited us for the well-being of Zamboanga.)

Lobregat, now 75, also shared the same photo on his Facebook page and wrote: “REUNITED TO SERVE, PROTECT AND SAVE ZAMBOANGA CITY. “El hombre propone y Dios despone”.Man junto-junto kita… Desde Limpapa hasta Licomo para sirvi, proteje y salva con el Ciudad de Zamboanga!”

(“Man proposes and God deposes.” Let us be together…from (the village of) Limpapa (in the east) to Licomo (village in west) to serve, protect and save Zamboanga City!)

Lobregat ran for mayor against John Dalipe, brother of Rep. Mannix Dalipe; and Climaco ran for congress against neophyte Kymer Olaso and also lost in the last election.

Lobregat and Climaco gave no further details on their unification, but it was welcomed by many Zamboangueños.

Lourdes Bernardo Santa Maria wrote on Climaco’s social media page: “Good to know about this Madam Beng and indeed hopefully, you be united and stand as one to help make things better in our beloved City! God bless you both with good health!”

“Alhamdullilah, Madam Beng and Sir Celso. Humility and unity above all. Down-to-earthness is the solid foundation of all virtues. A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. Looking forward to your joining forces for the City of Zamboanga. To God be the glory,” wrote Mequin Annabelle Marie.

Calmers Julian said: “This is the reason I love the politicians of Zamboanga city...friendship above politics…salute to both of you for the betterment of Zamboanga City.”

The young Dalipe and his brother are mostly likely to switch places and run in the 2025 midterm elections against Lobregat and Climaco. The Dalipes did not release any statement on the reunification of Lobregat and Climaco. (Mindanao Examiner)