TACLOBAN CITY – The mayor of Allen, Northern Samar, Joey Suan, has officially withdrawn from his re-election bid, choosing to prioritize his family over a third and final term.
Suan, who was set to run in the May 2025 elections, made the announcement via his social media account.
“To my fellow Allenians, I offer my heartfelt thanks to you for your unwavering support, cooperation, sacrifices, and love,” Suan expressed in his post ON Oct.25, disclosing his decision not to run in next year’s elections.
The decision, he explained, was made after careful consideration with his family, with a strong desire to spend more time with them when his term ends in June 2025.
“My family and I decided that I will complete this term until June 2025, and then I will dedicate myself fully to being a family man,” he stated.
Despite stepping down from office, Suan assured Allen residents that his commitment to their welfare remains steadfast. “I will always be here even in my private capacity,” he promised.
The Suan family has held leadership roles in Allen for decades.
Allen, known as one of Northern Samar’s key municipalities, houses three major seaports connecting the region to Luzon.
Suan’s withdrawal does not signal the end of the Suan family’s influence in Allen.
His wife, Katrina Mae Suan, has filed her own certificate of candidacy for mayor, while his elder brother, former mayor Rod Suan, is running for vice mayor against incumbent Vice Mayor Christian Lao.
Suan is the second re-electionist mayor in Eastern Visayas to withdraw from the race.
Earlier, Palompon, Leyte Mayor Ramon Onate also withdrew his re-election bid following a decision from the Office of the Ombudsman, which ordered his dismissal from service due to actions while serving as vice mayor.
