Olivarez family in Parañaque faces new challengers
In Parañaque City, the Olivarez family has long been a dominant force in local politics, holding the mayoral seat for the past 12 years. However, in Eleksyon 2025, two members of this influential family are both vying for the city’s top position, drawing fresh attention to the race.
Joining the contest are seven mayoral candidates, including three others who aim to break the political stronghold, two of whom are running independently. Among them are Jun Zaide and Drew Uy, both determined to challenge the Olivarez legacy.
Batang Baclaran, Batang Parañaque: Jun Zaide’s resolve
Jun Zaide, the barangay captain of Baclaran, first made waves in the 2022 elections by daring to run for mayor against the entrenched Olivarez clan. Since winning the Baclaran chairmanship in 2018, Zaide has worked tirelessly to tackle long-standing problems in the barangay, which he calls the “heart and soul” of Parañaque.
“We are the gateway of the southern part of Metro Manila. Tayo ‘yun talagang daanan na tao… We’re talking about millions, hundreds of thousands, libu-libo ang dumadaan sa Barangay Baclaran. ‘Yung hinarap natin problema, ‘yung hinarap natin suliranan dito, hindi biro,” Zaide explained.
His six years as barangay captain have been marked by efforts to fix dirty and dark streets, address peace and order issues, and steer the community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Zaide proudly claims to be “101% ready” to take on the role of Parañaque mayor.
“Wala akong pinakinggan dito kung hindi taong-bayan. Wala akong naging amo dito kundi ang taong-bayan,” he added.
Though he lost to incumbent Mayor Eric Olivarez in 2022, Zaide remains hopeful this time around. His campaign centers on fulfilling the city’s basic needs: healthcare, education, infrastructure, quick disaster response, and support for vulnerable groups.
One of his flagship plans is the “Batang Parañaque General Hospital,” aiming to provide free health services. He also wants to establish a “Batang Parañaque Development Center” to nurture local artists and implement “PQRT 911,” a quick response team for emergencies.
Zaide is not shy about adopting successful projects from other places. “Hindi masamang mangopya. It’s for the betterment and for the goodness ng bawat mamamayan at bawat residente, at higit sa lahat for the city of Parañaque,” he said.
If elected, he envisions a safer Parañaque where residents and government officials work hand in hand.
Fresh face in politics: Drew Uy’s independent bid
Independent candidate Drew Uy comes from Tambo and stands out as a new challenger without political family ties. Like Zaide, Uy also ran for mayor in 2022 but fell short. This year, he returns with renewed backing, especially from the youth.
“I’ve made sure that none of my immediate family want to run. Actually, none of them actually want to run… Being literally the only one that’s new, and no political family anywhere in Parañaque that has ever run, that’s my stance, and I want to keep that stance,” Uy stated.
He describes himself as an ordinary Parañaque resident striving to make a real difference, not just patch up problems. “Drew Uy is someone who consults the experts and actually listens to their advice and solutions from that. Drew Uy is also the same person who actually listens to the people.”
Though a marketing and communications specialist by profession, Uy acknowledges his lack of political experience but stresses his openness to listen and learn.
His campaign focuses on empowering Parañaque’s residents through the creation of a “People’s Council” that will involve citizens in decision-making. Uy’s platform includes promoting local arts and culture, boosting small businesses, fighting crime, enhancing healthcare and education, supporting sports, and ensuring good governance.
“This entire campaign is not and has never been for me. It’s always been for Parañaque… The Pitong Plano para sa Parañaque that we drafted is actually wish siya ng Parañaque. It’s not my wish. Every single one of those words came from the Parañaqueño. And I wish [whoever wins will] listen,” Uy emphasized.
The Olivarez name continues to dominate
The Olivarez family’s political roots run deep. Patriarch Dr. Pablo Olivarez served as mayor from 1992 to 1995, and his daughter Eva is now Barangay San Dionisio captain. Sons Eric and Edwin currently hold the positions of mayor and 1st district representative, respectively.
In a unique family dynamic, the 2025 elections see Edwin running again for mayor while Eric aims for the congressional seat. This echoes their 2022 move when they swapped roles after Edwin served three terms as mayor.
Edwin, who chairs the House Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization, also led the Metro Manila Council, the MMDA’s policy-making body. Their party, Lakas-CMD, backs the administration’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition.
Family contest heats up: Olivarez vs. Olivarez
Adding intrigue to the mayoral race, Eric’s wife, Aileen Claire Olivarez, is running independently against her brother-in-law Edwin. Aileen has served as Eric’s chief of staff and has a background in education as a professor and principal at Olivarez College.
Though she shares the Olivarez surname, Aileen stresses her own advocacies and accomplishments.
“Matagal ko nang isinusulong ang mga programang patungkol sa kalusugan, nutrisyon, kaayusan at kalinisan ng ating lungsod, pero ang desisyon kong tumakbong bilang kauna-unahang babaeng mayor sa kasaysayan ng buong Parañaque, ‘yan po ay desisyon galing po sa tunay na pagmamalasakit ko sa atin mga kalungsuran,” she said.
She continued, “Makikita naman ninyo na may sarili po akong paninindigan, adbokasiya, meron din po akong track record ng serbisyo. Itong lahat na ito ay hindi tungkol sa apelyido, apelyidong aking hiniram lamang at hindi din tungkol sa nakaraan kung hindi tungkol sa kinabukasan lalo na ng kinabukasan ng Lungsod ng Parañaque.”
Aileen’s platform focuses on health and education, including free medicine provision, establishing a city blood bank, school supplies, and uniforms. She also supports flood mitigation projects and a truck ban to improve city traffic.
With the Olivarez family in Parañaque deeply entrenched, the 2025 mayoral race promises a lively battle between seasoned politicians and fresh faces eager to bring change.
