Retired Police Lt. Col. Rosalino Ibay Jr., former head of the Manila Police District-Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (MPD-SMaRT), won a seat on the Manila City Council representing District I of Tondo in the May 2025 elections.

Ibay, a first-time political candidate, secured the fifth spot in the closely contested councilor race in Tondo, a densely populated and vote-rich district.

He campaigned as the “Action man” of Tondo, highlighting his extensive law enforcement experience, which included assignments with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Highway Patrol Group during a period of high carnapping rates.

Ibay retired from the police force in 2023 at the age of 50, six years before mandatory retirement, to spend more time with his family. However, he later decided to enter public service after receiving encouragement from neighbors, friends, and former classmates.

He joined Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso’s team for the May elections, as Domagoso reportedly praised Ibay’s contributions to Manila’s peace and order during campaign events, citing the MPD-SMaRT’s arrests.

Ibay’s campaign focused on addressing poverty, hunger, and public safety.

His track record as a law enforcement officer, which includes awards such as Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino, a Presidential Award from former President Rodrigo Duterte and Ten Outstanding Young Men of Manila during Domagoso’s previous term as mayor, is believed to have contributed to his electoral success.

Ibay and Domagoso are former high school classmates from Tondo High School.

Domagoso’s son, Joaquin Domagoso, also won a council seat in District I, placing first in the race. He is following in his father’s footsteps, who was first elected councilor at the age of 21.

In an interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Ibay said he was overwhelmed by his victory and shed tears upon being proclaimed winner on 13 May at the Manila City Council office.

“A new journey for me… thank you to everyone who helped, especially Mayor Isko, and I will strive to create ordinances for the benefit of the people of Manila,” Ibay said.