Khymer Adan Olaso

Khymer Adan Taing Olaso (born March 22, 1978) is a Filipino master mariner and politician who is currently serving as 23rd Mayor of Zamboanga City since 2025. He represented the 1st District of Zamboanga City from 2022 to 2025, he previously served as a member of the Zamboanga City Council from 2019 to 2022. Olaso is a member of the Nacionalista Party and the Adelante Zamboanga Party.

Early life Olaso was born on March 22, 1978, in Zamboanga City to a Filipino father and Cambodian mother.

Political career

2013 Zamboanga City Council bid In 2013, Olaso ran for councilor in Zamboanga City as independent candidate but he lost and placed 23rd.

Zamboanga City Council (2019–2022) Olaso was elected as member of the Zamboanga City Council from 2019 to 2022.

House of Representatives (2022–2025)

In 2022, Olaso represented the first district of Zamboanga City until 2025. Olaso filed the "Death Penalty for Corruption Act" or House bill No.11211 on December 16, 2024, and released on January 22, 2025, the bill proposes that all politicians and officials from the President of the Philippines to the lowest barangay officer get executed by firing squad if convicted of corruption. However, the death penalty was abolished in the Philippines in 2006. Olaso also filed a bill to provide regulation for surrogacy in 2023.

Mayor of Zamboanga City (2025–present) On May 12, 2025, Olaso was elected the Mayor of Zamboanga City and was proclaimed the next day, defeating Zamboanga City's 2nd district representative and the brother of incumbent mayor John Dalipe, Mannix Dalipe. He was inaugurated as Mayor on June 30, 2025 and began his term cleaning the public market. Olaso appointed former congressman Celso Lobregat as his executive secretary on July 1, 2025. Lobregat also backed Olaso's mayoral bid and his advice led to Olaso running for Mayor.

Personal life Olaso is married to Mary Joy Tan and has two sons. He has a brother Kaiser Adan Olaso, who ran as Zamboanga City's 1st district representative but he lost and placed third.

Electoral history