Cebu is my home; my intent to return…

Attorney Regal Oliva is not your typical lawyer—she’s a self-proclaimed homebody with a vision for a brighter, more transparent future for her country.

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The name “Regal” perfectly suits Attorney Oliva, who welcomed us into her home with warmth and charm. From her perfectly styled hair to her inviting smile, she instantly put us at ease. With a motherly presence that assured us we were in good hands, she kicked off the interview with laughter, playfully declaring “CUTI!” as the cameras rolled.

She describes her style as eclectic—not strictly modern or old-school, but rather a joyful mix of what resonates with her. As I looked around her home, I was captivated by her art pieces, which I initially thought were custom works. It turns out they were created by her! An artist herself, she has painted several canvases, making her one of the most passionate advocates for art in leadership.

Loves to Travel, but Definitely a Homebody

The warmth of Attorney Oliva’s home reflects her preference for a peaceful life spent indoors, often with a cup of coffee in hand. However, when asked about her favorite spots in Cebu, she excitedly shared a few favorites. For Indian cuisine, she enjoys visiting Banilad, and for Japanese food, she heads to A.S. Fortuna. She also loves exploring the city for local delicacies, such as the best soup at AA’s, Sutukil in Lapu-Lapu, and the delicious lechon in Talisay.

“Cebu has everything!” she exclaimed. “It may be a small city or a bustling metropolis, but if you want to escape urban life, you can reach the mountains or the beach in just a few minutes—traffic permitting, of course. You can find the best of both urban and suburban life right here in Cebu.”

When asked where she would take visitors in Cebu, she thought for a moment before replying, “There are so many places to explore! It really depends on the vibe. If my friends come over, my home would be the perfect spot to hang out. But for the younger crowd, I always ask what they’re into. Some of my friends enjoy the club scene, but that’s not really my thing. I’d probably say no to all the partying!”

The Secrets of Parenting the New Gen

Attorney Oliva is a devoted parent to children who, with the unwavering love and support of her family, seems to have the world at their fingertips. She shared some amusing stories from her past, recalling how her sisters used to sneak out at night to hit the bars while she and her brother slept peacefully at home. “I think my daughter inherited that spirit. She loves the club scene! So, when she asks for permission to go out, I often say yes, while my sister chimes in with a firm ‘No, ayaw sugti!’”

Attorney Oliva emphasizes the importance of allowing children to explore and learn from their own experiences, especially in today’s world where they have access to numerous spaces for self-expression and discovery. “The more you grasp the sand, the more it slips away! I’m a liberal parent,” she shared, highlighting her belief in fostering independence in her children.

A Voice for Inclusivity

Attorney Oliva is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and passionately advocates for inclusivity. “Inclusivity is crucial—not just for the LGBTQIA+ community, but for women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and anyone who has faced discrimination,” she asserted.

Drawing from her experiences, she acknowledged the slow march toward equality. “It took generations for women to gain equal footing, and for the LGBTQIA+ community, we still have much work to do,” she reflected.

Attorney Oliva believes that advocating for inclusivity should be about listening and fostering safe spaces for dialogue. “If they don’t listen, sometimes you need to step back and let silence convey your message,” she advised. She highlighted her work in Mandaue City, creating communities where marginalized voices can thrive and laws protect the marginalized against discrimination.

In her own home, Oliva reminds her children to not be dictated by the community, especially in what you wear. “Live the way you want to live, dress the way you want to dress.”

Recalling an incident from her master’s program, Oliva shared that she was prohibited from wearing heels at school, despite the uniform rules not explicitly stating that only women could wear them. She faced scrutiny, but it did not stop her. She continued to fight for her right to express herself until she completed her degree. Years later, the same university passed a policy on inclusivity, and that single act of self-expression ultimately empowered future students to embrace their freedom both inside and outside the university halls.

On Debt and Good Governance

Mandaue City ranks second in the Philippines in terms of collection for local revenue sources and is the richest city outside Manila in terms of assets and equity.

“It’s not something you do alone; it’s not a one-person job,” Oliva emphasized. She highlighted the importance of a strong, supportive community in the city’s success. “It takes a village to build communities, and it takes a city to build Mandaue.”

Through effective collaboration with local governing units and the city council, Attorney Oliva has helped Mandaue thrive. She stressed the necessity of alignment between the executive and legislative branches to achieve a shared vision for the city.

Building a successful city comes with its challenges, especially regarding taxes. “Taxes can feel like a burden,” Oliva acknowledged. “They’re not easy to pay because their benefits aren’t always immediate. But think about it: the security you feel at night, the transportation you use, the accessible roads—these are all funded by your taxes. That’s why it’s crucial to pay taxes correctly and consistently, so we can invest in infrastructure, social services, and other community needs.”

When discussing debt, Oliva offered an insightful perspective: “Debt is important.” She explained that managing debt effectively can help cities reach their goals. Timely payments enhance a city’s credibility with credit facilities, and Mandaue currently has a credit facility of around 5.2 billion pesos.

Managing Debt for a Thriving City

To support major projects, such as the planned government center at CICC, Oliva and the local government unit (LGU) needed to borrow 3 billion pesos. However, it’s crucial to understand how to manage and repay this debt effectively. A key strategy involves forming partnerships with other ventures, like Gaisano and Taft Properties. Payments from these partnerships can be used to offset the debt, benefiting both the citizens of Mandaue and the city itself.

“Don’t use taxpayers’ money to pay off debt,” Oliva cautioned, explaining that this approach could divert funds away from community improvement and toward merely servicing debt.

Proper fund management and community involvement are essential. “If funds are not managed wisely, it can lead to inefficient use of taxpayer money and increased debt,” she said. “Instead of directing taxes toward education, infrastructure, military, and social services, they may end up being used solely to cover debts.”

In her view, Congress holds the “power of the purse,” and it is crucial to ensure that this power is used responsibly by the executive branch.

Oliva emphasized that success requires a collective effort. “It’s important to have checks and balances,” she stated. “While I serve as the financial manager, I rely on accountants and other professionals to provide oversight. Sometimes, if you’re overly creative or ambitious, you need someone to say, ‘Stop.’ It’s about finding balance and knowing when to compromise.”

Ultimately, teamwork and prudent management are vital for Mandaue’s financial health and community well-being.

Embracing Technology for Transparency

Technology is essential, and Mandaue is fully embracing it to enhance transparency. To keep taxpayers informed, the LGU moved all financial transactions online; with fewer people handling the money, the chances for corruption decrease significantly.

“Our mission has always centered on good governance, accountability, and transparency, which is why I strongly advocate for the digitalization of Mandaue City,” Oliva explained.

Many people hesitate to pay taxes due to a perception of government corruption. To combat this, Oliva believes in leveraging digital solutions. While no system is completely immune to corruption, Mandaue saw a 60% increase in revenue after implementing computerization in 2010.

“I’m not suggesting that technology will replace governance,” she added. “While AI is becoming increasingly relevant, I support any measures that help reduce corruption and the temptation for dishonest behavior.”

The shift to digital systems has fostered greater transparency and accountability. Now, it’s easy to track who is accessing the system and handling transactions.

Oliva emphasizes the importance of a governing body that prioritizes honesty. “I’ve learned that true acceptance of oneself comes from being honest. If you lie, you risk losing sight of the truth.”

In a political landscape often filled with false promises, Oliva remains committed to authenticity. “You can’t promise blue skies when storms are on the horizon,” she asserted.

Today’s generation values honesty and integrity, even when it’s difficult. Oliva sees this commitment to truth as a foundation for a more inclusive and free future.

A Better Candidate for the Future

At her core, Attorney Oliva sees herself as just a simple person who cherishes quiet moments at home. She admits that the election process has been exhausting, as political life isn’t her ideal. However, with the support of her team, she manages the demands of the campaign while maintaining her commitment to honesty.

When asked about her strengths compared to her opponents, she responded humbly, “I have a strong opponent, and I don’t want to downplay that. But I believe that, in this election, I’m presenting a better candidate.”