TACLOBAN CITY ? The political horizon in Eastern Visayas appears no different from what it looked like in previous elections as known political clans were expected to preserve their hold on key elective positions in the region.

The Romualdezes of this city, the Codillas of Ormoc, and the Dazas of Samar, this early, appear to have the early advantage over whoever their opponents would be in the coming elections.

In this city, Alfredo ?Bejo? Romualdez, former mayor, said he would run as vice mayor under his son, Alfred, who is incumbent mayor seeking reelection.

The elder Romualdez said he wanted to be vice mayor because he wanted to make the city council ?one of the best in the country.? Local government rules allow vice mayors to preside over city councils.

Bejo, however, said the family was also busy consolidating its force to help Ferdinand ?Bongbong? Marcos Jr. win a Senate seat. Bongbong is a nephew of Bejo.

Alfred Romualdez?s wife, Tacloban City Councilor Cristina G. Romualdez is seeking reelection. So is Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, son of former Leyte Gov. Benjamin ?Kokoy? Romualdez.

In Ormoc City, incumbent Mayor Eric Codilla would run for reelection. So would his brother, Elmer Codilla, as mayor of nearby Kananga, Leyte.

Their father, however, Rep. Eufrocino Codilla Sr., is on his last term and is ineligible for reelection. Winnie Codilla Jr., one of his sons, would run in his place.

In Samar, Gov. Milagros Tan, now on her last term, is likely to seek election as congressman in the second district, a post that is currently held by her daughter, Rep. Sharee Ann Tan. Governor Tan was recently suspended for 90 days over a graft case.

In Northern Samar, Gov. Raul Daza, now on his last term, is running for congressman in the province?s first district. The governor?s son, Rep. Paul Daza, will run as governor in his father?s place. Vicente Labro, Inquirer Visayas