Running unopposed
TACLOBAN CITY — Out of 2,390 candidates running in the 2025 general elections in Eastern Visayas, 66 are set to win unopposed, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the region.
Lawyer Maria Corazon Montallana, assistant regional director of Comelec Eastern Visayas, announced on Tuesday, November 5, that most of these unopposed candidates are running for mayor and vice mayor positions.
In addition to these local posts, one governor in Samar, three vice governors (in Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte), and two congressmen in Samar are guaranteed another term, given the absence of challengers.
Montallana noted that while the presence of rivals in an election gives voters more options, the lack of competition may reflect constituents’ satisfaction with their current officials.
“These candidates may be unopposed because their constituents see the impact of their projects and services,” she explained during the weekly ‘Harampang ha PIA” on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
“However, having opposing candidates is very healthy as it provides voters with choices.”
She also clarified that unopposed candidates need just a single vote to be officially declared winners. “Without at least one vote, there would be no basis to declare a winner,” Montallana said.
Records from Comelec show that Samar has the highest number of unopposed candidates, led by reelectionist Governor Sharee Ann Tan and her siblings, Representatives Stephen James Tan and Reynolds Michael Tan.
Nine mayors and 11 vice mayors in the province are also running without opponents. Notable unopposed vice-mayoral candidates include Rex Daguman and Coefredo Uy of Calbayog and Catbalogan cities.
In Leyte, 12 candidates are unopposed, including incumbent Vice Governor Leonardo Javier, alongside five mayors and six vice mayors.
In Northern Samar, six mayors and five vice mayors are certain to retain their posts.
Biliran has nine unopposed candidates, led by vice-gubernatorial candidate Roselyn Espina, as well as four mayors and their respective vice mayors.
Southern Leyte sees two mayors and five vice mayors running unchallenged, with incumbent Vice Governor Rosa Emilia Mercado set to retain her position.
In Eastern Samar, one mayor and two vice mayors are also running without opposition.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
