IN THE LEGAL world, the term Miranda Doctrine typically brings to mind the landmark 1966 US Supreme Court case Miranda vs Arizona. This doctrine upholds the right of individuals to be informed of their constitutional protections — such as the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel — before being interrogated by authorities while in custody.
But in Negros Occidental, a new “Miranda Doctrine” is emerging —one not rooted in law, but in politics.
Why?
Because it now refers, informally, to the extraordinary political rise of the Miranda couple in Kabankalan City — the richest component city in the province.
Unbelievable? Perhaps. But it has already happened.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Let’s begin with Mayor Benjie Miranda.
An indigenous person (IP) from Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan, Mayor Benjie made history in 2022 by becoming the first IP elected as mayor of the city — dismantling the Zayco family’s 37-year grip on power.
He pulled off a political upset by defeating then-incumbent Mayor Pedro Zayco of the powerful Zayco clan — by just 278 votes.
A razor-thin margin, but a victory nonetheless. Perhaps unimaginable to many, but clearly destined.
‘TIKTOK STAR’
Fast forward to today: Mayor Benjie has proven his worth in office. As expected, he has his critics, but he also has a growing base of admirers.
Instead of engaging detractors online, he embraced his role as a “TikTok star” — and surprisingly, it worked.
Still, the Zaycos couldn’t move on. So in the 2025 midterm elections, they fielded former governor Isidro “Pidio” Zayco in an attempt to reclaim Kabankalan.
Pidio had been an undefeated mayor since 1987, later becoming vice governor, and then ascending to the governorship after the untimely death of Gov. Joseph Marañon in 2008.
Joining the fray was Lim-ao Alvarez, a former undefeated congressman of the 6th District, along with four other candidates — making the mayoral race even more intense.
FAILED MISSION
Both the Zaycos and Alvarez shared a common goal: to unseat Mayor Benjie.
But they failed.
Mayor Benjie secured 43,082 votes — overwhelming Lim-ao’s 22,821 and Pidio’s 22,664.
His more than 21,000-vote lead sent a strong message: the people of Kabankalan stand firmly behind their IP mayor.
MA’AM DIVINE
Even more surprising was the entry of Ma’am Divina Miranda — Mayor Benjie’s wife — into the political arena.
Known fondly as “Ma’am Divine,” she ran alongside her husband for vice mayor and won.
She garnered 37,582 votes, defeating incumbent Vice Mayor Migz Zayco, who managed only 29,202.
Providential, indeed!
MIGHT OF THE POOR
The “Miranda Doctrine” in Kabankalan today may very well symbolize the power of the poor.
The Mirandas were once political nobodies — neither rich nor famous.
Who would have imagined that an indigenous man would rise to become the chief executive of the so-called “Billionaire City” of Negros Occidental?
Once a far-fetched dream — now, a stunning reality.
Mayor Benjie and Ma’am Divine, a humble public school teacher, have become the face of a new kind of politics in Kabankalan.
Let’s give credit where it’s due: the poor have spoken. Their choice was firm and non-negotiable.
To them, the Mirandas are relatable. Mayor Benjie, in particular, evokes comparisons to former Uruguayan president José Mujica — famously dubbed the world’s “poorest” head of state.
Like Mujica, Mayor Benjie genuinely cares for the poor — sharing his blessings and even his salary.
He is no ordinary politician. He’s carving a new path in Negros Occidental — one that isn’t dependent on money, machinery, or dynastic power.
Instead, he draws strength from the common tao.
And for two successive elections, the people have stood by him — and now, by his wife as well.
The story of the Mirandas in Kabankalan proves that when the poor rise and speak with one voice, even political oligarchs are reduced to mere footnotes in history./PN
