TACLOBAN CITY – Samar first district Representative Stephen James Tan on Sunday, May 4, denied social media rumors claiming he had withdrawn support from Sta. Margarita Mayor Felix Panganoron, his political ally.
The clarification came after a photo circulated online on Saturday showing Rep. Tan alongside Emil Zosa, husband of former Sta. Margarita mayor Gemma Zosa.
The photo fueled speculation that Tan was shifting his support to Gemma Zosa, who is challenging Panganoron in the upcoming elections.
In a Facebook live video posted by supporter Pakz Pancubila, Rep. Tan reaffirmed his support for the Nacionalista Party and dismissed the viral post as misinformation.
“Don’t believe those things. That is fake news. It’s not good, especially now that the election is just days away. We should not spread negativity or false information,” Tan said.
Panganoron is the official mayoral candidate of the Nacionalista Party, while Zosa is running under the Liberal Party banner.
Tan emphasized that his family has consistently upheld loyalty to political allies. “Since we entered politics, our family has never betrayed our partners,” he added.
This is the second electoral showdown between Panganoron and Zosa. They first faced off in the 2022 elections, where Panganoron emerged victorious.
The town of Sta. Margarita remains under the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) red category—the only area in Eastern Visayas with such classification.
Areas under this category are considered election hotspots due to a history of election-related violence, intense political rivalry, and threats from armed groups, including communist insurgents.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
