Aries Gaboy Lim has unseated the long-entrenched Santos family in Talavera, marking a significant shift in the town’s political landscape. Lim, son of Ultra Mega Supermarket owner Benito Lim and former Talavera Vice Mayor Tess Gaboy-Lim, emerged victorious in the hotly contested mayoral race against Vice Mayor Nerivi Santos-Martinez, a member of the Santos political dynasty that had governed the town for 21 years.
The Santos family’s hold on Talavera began in 2004 with Nerivi’s father, Nerito Santos Sr., who served as mayor for three terms until 2013. Nerivi herself succeeded her father, serving as mayor until 2022, when she was replaced by her brother Nerito Jr., who held the position for one term. Despite the defeat, the family retains influence in local politics, with Nerito Jr. winning the vice mayoral seat.
Lim, who grew up accompanying his mother on her political campaigns, described his victory as a triumph for the people of Talavera. Speaking to his supporters, he expressed gratitude and emphasized that the win was not just his but for the entire community.
“We made history not just by winning an election but by proving that hope, integrity, and unity still matter,” Lim declared. “This victory is not mine. It belongs to every family, every farmer, worker, to all the youth, and to all dreamers who believe change is possible.”
As the newly elected mayor, Lim has pledged to focus on transparency, accountability, and good governance, with e-governance as a primary initiative to enhance transparency in the town’s financial management. He also vowed to strengthen social pension programs for senior citizens and maintain the 10 existing learning centers offering free education to students.
Lim further stressed his commitment to ending the culture of political patronage in Talavera, stating that public service should be about accountability and progress rather than indebtedness to political figures.
“Marami po tayong plano, una na ang education. But I always say lahat po yan it will all boil down to transparency, accountability, and good governance. Kasi useless po lahat ng plano if we cannot execute it well,” Lim emphasized.
