Across six provinces of Eastern Visayas, the same political dynasties ruled Monday’s midterm elections, affirming once again the locals’ belief that power in the region is hereditary.
Leyte remains the undisputed bailiwick of the Romualdez clan. House Speaker Martin Romualdez won a third term in his unopposed run in Leyte’s 1st District.
At least four other members of the clan also won their races.
The Speaker’s cousin Alfred Romualdez was elected mayor of Tacloban City, and Alfred’s son Ray Romualdez vice mayor of the same city.
The Speaker’s son and namesake, Martin Romualdez Jr., also won a seat in the Tacloban City Council.
Another son, Andrew Julian Romualdez, is poised to win a seat in the House of Representatives as first nominee of Tingog party-list group.
The group dominated in the party-list race with over 1.7 million voters in partial and unofficial tally so far. Tingog won two seats in the House in 2022 and is currently represented by Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, wife of Speaker Romualdez, who is the group’s 6th nominee.
Beyond the Romualdezes, other political clans also reaffirmed their stronghold, securing key positions in landslide wins and with little to no opposition.
Reelectionist Gov. Jericho “Icot” Petilla and his mother, reelectionist Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla of Palo town, handily won their races.
Sandy Javier also cruised to victory in the vice gubernatorial race, also unopposed. His wife Lolita Karen Javier was reelected 2nd District representative. Their sons Michael Drogon and Mark won as mayor and vice mayor, respectively, in Javier town.
In the 3rd District’s race, Anna Veloso-Tuazon won by more than 7,000 votes over her cousin Wingwing Veloso. Richard Gomez topped the 4th District race as his wife Lucy was reelected Ormoc City mayor. Carl Cari was reelected 5th District representative.
In Southern Leyte, the Mercado family remains firmly in power. Damian Mercado was reelected governor, sister Milai Mercado as vice governor and brother Roger Mercado as 1st District representative.
Second District Rep. Coco Yap secured another term.
Mirroring the dynastic strongholds of Leyte and Southern Leyte, Biliran saw no significant shifts in leadership.
Rogelio Espina and his sister Paras Espina won as governor and vice governor, respectively. Their brother Gerryboy Espina was elected congressman.
Rogelio’s brother Rudy Espina and Rudy’s son Jake Espina were elected mayor and vice mayor, respectively, of Kawayan town, without any challengers.
In Samar Island, the Tan family maintained a firm grip on the province, sweeping key positions without any opposition.
Ann Tan was reelected governor while her uncle Arnold Tan retained the vice governorship. Ann’s brothers Jimboy and Michael Tan secured the 1st District and 2nd District congressional seats, respectively. All ran unopposed.
In Eastern Samar, reelectionist Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone clinched a second consecutive term while his aunt Susan Evardone and Susan’s son, Boward Evardone, were elected mayor and vice mayor, respectively, of Arteche town.
Northern Samar followed the regional pattern of dynastic dominance.
Harris Ongchuan clinched another term as governor, while his brother Edwin Ongchuan won as 2nd District representative. Niko Raul Daza emerged winner in the 1st District race. Clarence Dato was elected vice governor. — PCIJ.org