If the pulse of a community can be measured by what it reads, then SunStar Cebu's list of the most-viewed stories for 2025 offers a fascinating diagnosis of the past year in the Queen City of the South. The top ten articles reveal a tapestry of reader interests woven from threads of curiosity, public outrage, nostalgic inquiry, and the practical concerns of daily life.
Here is a breakdown of the stories that dominated the digital pages of SunStar Cebu in 2025, exploring the underlying reasons for their powerful resonance with the audience.
Authority, Accountability, and the Rules of the Road
Starting the countdown at number ten was the unexpected spectacle of a proposed boxing match between public figures. The story on the Games and Amusements Board's role in ensuring the safety and integrity of the Torre vs. Duterte bout captivated readers. It presented a unique collision of entertainment, politics, and regulatory oversight, prompting questions about how officials manage such an unconventional and highly publicized event.
Stories about internal government dynamics also drew significant attention. At number nine, readers followed the case where LTO 7 Director Glen Galario sued his assistant for usurpation of authority and graft. This narrative appealed to those interested in how power is contested and defended within the walls of government agencies themselves.
Further down the list, traffic and transportation regulations proved to be a major point of engagement. The announcement that the LTO would begin penalizing vehicles with improvised license plates (number seven) resonated due to a common frustration. Readers recognized the imbalance of penalizing motorists for unofficial plates while delays in the release of official ones persisted.
Similarly, the news about traffic rules tightening with the deployment of new LTO agents (number six) sparked interest. The focus was less on the rules themselves and more on the prospect of stricter, more visible enforcement and its potential impact on Cebu's already congested roads.
Consequences, Corrections, and Cultural Shifts
A stark reminder of road safety's importance came in at number five. The report of a rider dying after a motorbike crashed into an SUV on the Transcentral Highway struck a chord. For many who regularly use this scenic but challenging route, the story highlighted how familiarity can breed complacency, and how speed and terrain quietly compound risk on Cebu's roads.
In a moment of visible accountability, the story at number three reported that five LTO personnel involved in an incident in Bohol were dismissed. This article stood out as a demonstration of consequence within a system often perceived as slow to act, engaging readers with a rare example of decisive internal action.
History itself was up for debate in the fourth most-read story. An article challenging the long-held claim that Colon Street is the oldest street in the Philippines gained traction. Readers were drawn not to a settled fact, but to the active reexamination of accepted history, engaging with evidence that prompted a second look at civic lore.
Celebrity, Scrutiny, and Surprising Tastes
The runner-up spot, number two, was claimed by a story blending celebrity and legal scrutiny. Comedian and actress Ruffa Mae Quinto surrendering to the National Bureau of Investigation generated major interest. The focus shifted from mere celebrity gossip to the nature of the case involving alleged investment law violations. Readers examined the intersection of celebrity endorsement, personal responsibility, and the formal processes of investigation.
Topping the list, however, was a surprise. The number one most-read story of 2025 was a newbie collector's guide comparing Skullpanda and Labubu figurines. Its popularity signals a quiet cultural shift. The piece succeeded because it treated the hobby of collecting with seriousness, framing it as both a personal joy and a shared language. It offered clarity to newcomers while validating a growing subculture among Cebuano readers, proving that local interests are wonderfully diverse.
Together, these ten stories paint a vivid picture of Cebu in 2025: a community deeply concerned with governance and safety, keenly interested in accountability, ready to question its own history, and increasingly embracing niche passions that forge new connections.
