2025 elections
TACLOBAN CITY – While some political dynasties faltered elsewhere in the country, Eastern Visayas remains tightly held by powerful clans following the 2025 elections.
According to Prof. Ladylyn Mangada of UP Tacloban, dynasties in the region persist due to limited access to services, low incomes, and lack of political alternatives.
In Leyte, the Romualdez and Petilla families extended their dominance. House Speaker Martin Romualdez was reelected unopposed in the 1st district, while his sons, Martin Jr. and Julian Andrew, secured seats in the city council and the Tingog party-list, respectively. Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez and his son Raymund also made history as the first father-son mayor-vice mayor tandem.
The Petillas also retained power. Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla won another term, while his mother, Remedios, was reelected as mayor of Palo.
Allied families — Cari, Loreto, and Veloso — also won big. Rep. Carl Cari and Ma. Victoria Veloso-Tuazon were reelected, along with their respective relatives in various posts.
In Southern Leyte, the Mercado family swept top positions: Gov. Damian, Vice Gov. Rosa Emilia, and Rep. Roger Mercado all won. In Maasin City, Luz Mercado replaced her son as mayor.
Ormoc City’s power couple Richard and Lucy Torres-Gomez retained their congressional and mayoral seats, respectively, with Lucy’s siblings also reelected in nearby towns.
In Biliran, the Espinas held nearly all key posts, with Rogelio Espina returning as governor, while siblings, children, and cousins dominated other local offices.
In Samar, the Tan family continued their unbroken hold on the province since 1998. Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, Reps. Stephen James and Michael Reynolds, and Vice Gov. Arnold Tan were all reelected.
In Eastern Samar, Gov. Ben Evardone’s son Ralph Vincent succeeded him. Other relatives also won in various towns.
In Northern Samar, power remains split between the Ongchuans and Dazas. Harris Ongchuan moved up to governor, while cousin Edwin took the 2nd district seat. The Dazas retained control of the 1st district, with Nikko Raul Daza taking over from his father.
Comelec assistant regional director Ma. Corazon Montallana said these families owe it to voters to deliver. “They win through name recall and machinery, but public service must remain their priority,” she said.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
