TACLOBAN CITY – Mayor Alfred Romualdez is seeking for another as he filed his certificate of candidacy (CoC) on the last day of filing for those running for the May 12, 2025 elections.
Romualdez, who filed his CoC on Oct.8, is seeking his third and final term as mayor of Tacloban, the regional capital, under the banner of the Nacionalista Party.
Joining him once again is his son, Raymund Romualdez, who is running for vice mayor.
Raymund previously ran for the same position in the 2022 elections.
Also in the running is Dandee Grafil, husband of outgoing Councilor Aimee Grafil, who is serving her third and last term.
Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., expressed enthusiasm about his candidacy, saying he is eager to continue serving the people of Tacloban.
“I am excited to run again for mayor. It’s been a long journey, and I want to continue that journey. Tacloban has been recognized as the most improved highly urbanized city in the country,” Romualdez said after filing his CoC at around 10:18 a.m. at the Commission on Elections city office.
He also outlined his priorities, including addressing the city’s insufficient water supply, which has become a pressing issue due to the growing population and demand.
“We plan to fix it, and Taclobanons can expect to see improvements by next year,” he added.
Romualdez will face off against Renato Sipaco, a former village chairman, in the mayoral race.
Among those vying for city council seats in next year’s election is Renato Sardena, a 41-year-old security guard running as an independent.
When asked why he decided to run for office, Sardena declined to provide details.
“It’s a personal matter. Wait until the campaign period starts, and I will explain my reasons,” he said. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
