30 candidates in Bicol unopposed in May 2025 elections

LEGAZPI CITY - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said there are at least 30 uncontested aspirants for various positions in the May 2025 midterm elections in the Bicol region. In an interview on Monday, Comelec-5 (Bicol) director Maria Juana Valeza said they are from the provinces of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. "At least they have one vote cast in their favor on election day; they are already winners since we have regular elections this 2025 NLE (national and local elections). However, in special elections, if only one files COC, the lone candidate will be declared winner per Republic Act No. 8295, or 'An Act providing for the proclamation of a lone candidate for any elective office in a special election, and for other purposes'," Valeza said. In Masbate, the list of unopposed candidates and their aspired positions includes Governor Antonio Kho for 1st district representative; and for mayor, Jeffrey Justin Talisic (Esperanza); Mark Antonio (Pio V. Corpuz); Francisco Altarejos (San Jacinto); and Felipe Sanchez (Uson). Also unopposed for vice mayor is Valentin Alonzo (Aroroy); Felimon Abelita III (Balud); Charmax Jan Yuson (Batuan); John Paul Lim (Mobo); Jerome MC Duano (Monreal); Jonathan Abenir (Palanas); Fernando V. Mogueis (San Fernando); Leny Arcenas (San Jacinto); and Arnel Quidato (Uson). Assured seats for Sangguniang Bayan members in Cataingan town are Shara Adoptante, Wilson Leo Ang, Mary Joan Aplacador, Ralph Cabatana, George Gonzales Sr; Roberto Ponpon, Titus Ramizo, and Gresilda Talisic. In Sorsogon, the uncontested aspirants are Marie Bernadette Escudero for 1st District representative; Augusto Manuel Ragragio for Magallanes vice mayor; Romeo Domasian for Prieto Diaz mayor; and Avon Domalaon for Prieto Diaz vice mayor. In Catanduanes, the unchallenged mayoral bets are Vicente Tayam Jr. (Gigmoto) and Cesar Jacob Robles (Panganiban), as well as the vice mayoralty post for Emeterio Tarin (Viga). In Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, Jerry Jake Remoto is the only contender for vice ma yor. Valeza said despite being unopposed, the aspirants must comply with the rules and regulations of the Comelec. "They need to follow all regulations of the Comelec, especially on campaigning, voting, and canvassing, including the filing of the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures. Their names will still appear in the official ballots," she said. Source: Philippines News Agency