TACLOBAN CITY-Major political families of the region are to continue their grips as they won during Monday’s midterm elections.
In Leyte, the Petilla and its subgroup Loreto-Cari families, continue to dominate its political landscape.
Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla won his third term as well as his sister-in-law, Ann, wife of former energy secretary Carlos Jericho, as mayor of Palo.
Also winning were Carlo Loreto as vice governor for his third term; Carl Nicholas Cari as congressman of Leyte’s fifth district; and Jose Carlos Cari as mayor of Baybay.
The Romualdezes will also continue to dominate the other parts of Leyte, particularly its first district which includes Tacloban City.
Former congressman Martin Romualdez won on his congressional bid, replacing his wife, Yedda, who is projected to return to Congress via the party-list group. She is the first nominee of Tingog.
Romualdez’ cousin, Alfred, is sure to reclaim his post as mayor of Tacloban City, currently occupied by his wife, Cristina.
In Samar, the Tans hold of power in the province will be extended by another three years with the family’s matriarch, Milagrosa, winning the gubernatorial post currently held by her daughter, Sharee Ann.
Sharee Ann, in turn, is to occupy the post currently held by her mother. Another brother, Michael, is set to become the province’ vice governor.
However, another member of the family, Stephen James, who is the current vice governor, lost on his bid to unseat Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento for Samar’s first congressional representative.
The Espinas dominance in Biliran will continue as outgoing congressman Rogelio Espina is to switch position with his younger brother, Governor Gerry Boy Espina.
Rep. Espina’s son, Gerard, was elected as mayor of the provincial capital of Naval with an uncle, Rudy, also reelected as mayor of Kawayan town.
In Southern Leyte, Rep. Roger Mercado was reelected for the lone congressional district of the province with his younger brother, Damian, also reelected as governor.
In Northern Samar, the Ongs continue to dominate with Rep. Edwin Ong won as governor of the province, replacing his uncle, Jose, who would take his congressional post for the province’ second congressional district.(JOEY A. GABIETA)
