[1][2] After the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986 which toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos, President Corazon Aquino appointed opposition leader and former Assemblyman Zafiro Respicio as officer-in charge Mayor of Davao City, replacing Elias B. Lopez of the Nacionalista Party.

Aside from President Aquino, Respicio also had the full backing and endorsement of former Mayor Luis Santos and Davao-based businessman Jesus V. Ayala.

Respicio filed his candidacy under the Lakas ng Bansa with former city councilor Dominador Zuño Jr. as his running mate.

Jun Pala, a popular radio broadcaster and key spokesperson of the Alsa Masa vigilante group, also launched his bid for mayor as an independent candidate.

Pala named fellow anti-communist crusader Edmund Pamintuan as his candidate for vice mayor.