The Political Journey of Genevive Lim-Reyes

Genevive L. Reyes, also known by her maiden name Genevive Lim-Reyes, is a prominent figure in Antique provincial politics, currently serving as the Vice Governor. Her political trajectory is marked by a steady rise through local government ranks, beginning in her hometown of Caluya, and by a series of legal challenges and controversies that have shaped her career.

Born into a family with a strong history of public service in Caluya, Genevive Lim-Reyes hails from a lineage deeply embedded in the municipality's political landscape. Her father, Reynante J. Lim, Sr., served as Punong Baranggay of Semirara and a former Mayor of Caluya, laying a foundational legacy of leadership that his daughter would later follow. This familial tie to local governance provided an early introduction to public life and community service.

Reyes embarked on her own political journey as the SK Municipal Federation President for Caluya, an early indicator of her leadership potential. Her career then saw her rise through key local positions:

• Municipal Mayor of Caluya (2010-2019): Serving three consecutive terms, she presided over the municipality, gaining significant experience in local administration.

• Vice Mayor of Caluya (2019-2022): Following her mayoral terms, she continued to serve the town in its second-highest executive position.

Throughout her tenure in Caluya, Reyes also held significant leadership roles in various municipal leagues, including the President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Antique Chapter and the President of the Vice Mayors' League of the Philippines – Antique Chapter. These roles positioned her as a key voice for local government concerns within the province.

In the 2022 elections, Genevive Lim-Reyes successfully ran for provincial office, securing the position of Vice Governor of Antique. She officially assumed office on June 30, 2025, and currently serves as the Presiding Officer of the Antique Provincial Board (Sangguniang Panlalawigan).

Legal Challenges and Controversies

While her political ascent has been notable, Vice Governor Reyes's career has also been intertwined with significant legal challenges, primarily stemming from her time as Mayor of Caluya.

One of the most prominent issues involved a complaint of oppression filed against her by Juliet Ramos, related to a clearing operation in February 2014. This operation aimed to clear a five-hectare coconut farmland in Sitio Poocan, Barangay Tinogboc, to make way for a housing project. In August 2017, the Office of the Ombudsman found her guilty of oppression and issued a six-month and one-day suspension without pay as Mayor of Caluya. The Ombudsman's resolution highlighted the lack of a Sanggunian resolution supporting the housing project, concluding that the clearing was executed "without due process of law."

The same incident led to further legal action, with charges filed against her before the Sandiganbayan (a special anti-graft court) in 2018. She faced accusations of Violation of Section 3 (e) of R.A. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Sec. 5 in relation to Sec. 9 of R.A. 8048 (Coconut Preservation Act). However, after a thorough review of the evidence, the Sandiganbayan, in a decision dated October 22, 2021, acquitted her of both charges. The court's ruling noted that the prosecution failed to establish "by clear and convincing evidence" the existence of the 245 coconut trees allegedly destroyed, questioning the credibility of the evidence presented.

More recently, in her capacity as Vice Governor and Presiding Officer of the Provincial Board, Reyes has actively addressed current provincial issues. She has publicly urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to expedite the turnover of the Legislative Building to the provincial government, citing pressing concerns such as roofing leaks and a non-working elevator that require immediate repair to ensure proper functioning of the legislative body.

Genevive Lim-Reyes's journey from a youth leader to the Vice Governor of Antique is a testament to her enduring presence in public service. Her career reflects both significant achievements and the inherent complexities and scrutiny that often accompany political leadership, particularly in local governance.