Neophyte shakes up Catanduanes politics amid familiar wins in Bicol

For generations, the Cua dynasty has maintained an iron grip on Catanduanes, seamlessly passing the reins of provincial power to relatives while running key industries to boost their influence across the island.

In the May 12 elections, newcomer Patrick Azanza defeated Vice Gov. Peter “Boste” Cua in a stunning upset in the battle for governor. 

Azanza, former president of Catanduanes State University, rode a wave of youth support and growing opposition to the Cuas’ dynasty and perceived economic monopoly to win the four-way race. 

His victory ended the family’s control over the provincial Capitol, now held by Cua’s brother, outgoing Gov. Joseph “Boboy” Cua. Boboy himself lost the mayoral race in Virac City to reelectionist Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento Jr.  

This appears to be an isolated case in Bicol, where political clans continued to dominate the electoral landscape.

In Albay, reelectionist Gov. Joey Salceda lost to Noel Rosal, himself a member of a dynasty. Pre-election surveys showed Salceda leading the race.  

However, Salceda’s adopted son, Juan Miguel Salceda, was elected board member of Albay’s 3^rd District, and his nephew, Polangui town Mayor Raymond Adrian Salceda, won the congressional seat in the same district. 

Farida Co won as vice governor while her brother Elizaldy Co retained his seat as Ako Bicol party list representative in the House of Representatives. Ako Bicol obtained two seats in the party list race. Their brother Christopher Co lost the 2nd District congressional race to Caloy Loria.  

Meanwhile, the Villafuertes retained their stronghold in Camarines Sur. 

Patriarch Luis Raymond “L-Ray” Villafuerte secured a fresh term as governor, while his sons Miguel Luis “Migz” and Luigi won the congressional races in the 5^th District and 3^rd District, respectively.

Their neighboring Camarines Norte showed a similar pattern, with reelectionist Gov. Ricarte “Dong” Padilla winning another term against former governor Egay Tallado, himself a member of a long-standing dynasty.  

In Sorsogon, the Hamors and Escuderos maintained their power across the province.

Boboy Hamor was reelected as governor, while his wife Ester won as Sorsogon City mayor. Their daughter Minez “EM” also won the mayoral race in Casiguran town.

Their allies, the Escuderos, also maintained their influence. Chiz Escudero’s sister Dette secured another unopposed term as 1st District representative, while their cousin Jun Escudero was reelected Sorsogon vice governor.

In Masbate, the Kho dynasty once again consolidated political power. Gov. Antonio Kho swapped positions with his son, 1^st District Rep. Richard Kho.

Antonio’s wife Elisa Olga won the 2^nd District congressional seat. Their son Wilton “Tonton” was elected 3^rd District representative, while daughter Ara Kho won as Masbate City mayor. Wilton’s wife Kristine was reelected mayor of Mandaon town. — PCIJ.org