Prominent names in 2 Eastern Visayas provinces seen to rule in 2025 polls

INQUIRER files

TACLOBAN CITY — Political heavyweights in two Eastern Visayas provinces are expected to carry on their their dominance in the 2025 polls.

Three siblings of a political family in Samar are running unopposed, cementing their reign in one of the poorest provinces in the country.

In Northern Samar, prominent family names like the Ongchuans and Dazas are expected to rule next year’s elections.

In Samar, the reelection bids of Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, 42, and her younger brothers, Representatives Stephen James Tan of 1st district, 36, and Michael Reynolds Tan of the 2nd district, 35, are already in the bag.

They don’t have opponents.

This marks the first time that the Tan siblings, who are running under the Nacionalista Party, are running uncontested.

Their uncle, Arnold Tan, however, will contend with a lesser-known opponent, Martin Durmiendo, for the position of vice governor.

The Tan family started their political career back in 1988 following the election of their late matriarch, Milagrosa, as a board member and later as governor in 2001.

Since then, the Tans have held a solid grip of political power in the province.

During the 2022 elections, the Tans defeated their archrivals, the Sarmientos, whose members of the family include former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.

“I thank all our leaders, coordinators and supporters, even our opponents, for allowing us to continue our work in Samar,” said Governor Tan in an interview after they filed their Certificates of Candidacy on Oct. 8.

In Northern Samar, Gov. Edwin Ongchuan is switching places with his cousin, Rep. Christopher Harris Ongchuan in the second district, instead of running for a second term.

Edwin is running in congress in the second district while Christopher will run for governor.

“I may be taking another role, this time as a congressman, but this will still be a great avenue for me to be able to help improve the lives, not only of the Nortehanons, but other individuals through significant and meaningful legislative agenda,” said Edwin.

Christopher Harris seeks to continue the developments made under the administration of his cousin.

“I have decided to run as governor of Northern Samar as I hope to continue the legacy of progress initiated under Gov. Edwin’s leadership,” he said.

“I know this is going to be a big responsibility and I am ready to serve my fellow Nortehanon,” Christopher Harris added.

He will be facing former Governor Harlin Abayon who served the province for nine years.

In the first congressional district, which includes the provincial capital of Catarman, incumbent Rep. Paul Daza chose not to seek another term.

Instead, he fielded his son, Niko Raul, 31, to run for the post.

Rep. Daza said his son, while a neophyte, is capable of running a congressional district.

“This is the time for the millennials like my son. But I will always be behind my son who is qualified to run for the post,” he said.