Central Luzon is the second most vote-rich region, but the same political dynasties are able to hold on to key positions because of the lack of challengers.
Some 58 candidates for governor, vice governor, representative, mayor and vice mayor in its seven provinces ran unopposed, according to the Commission on Elections.
The gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial races in Aurora province were some of the few exceptions, and the electoral losses of the Novera siblings marked a considerable shift in the province’s political landscape.
Christian and Tin Tin Novera both lost the gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial races to former governor Reynante Tolentino and Sid Galban, respectively.
Seven electoral contests in the province had only one candidate, however.
Rommel Angara secured an easy win as he ran unopposed in the lone congressional district. He is the cousin of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara.
In Bataan, nearly half of the electoral positions were uncontested.
First District Rep. Tony Roman and 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia – both reelectionists – cruised to victory, without any challengers.
Garcia’s sister Gila was reelected 3rd District representative. Their brother Jose Enrique was reelected Bataan governor and their first cousin Cris Garcia vice governor, winning over independent candidates by a wide margin.
In Bulacan province, former actor Daniel Fernando clinched a third and final term as governor.
In the rest of Central Luzon — Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales — gubernatorial posts remained in the hands of dynasties.
In Nueva Ecija, Aurelio “Oyie” Umali won another term as governor against former General Tinio mayor Virgilio Bote, while his brother Gil Raymond bested Edward Joson for the vice governorship.
However, Aurelio’s daughter Cherry lost the 3rd District congressional race to Cabanatuan Vice Mayor Jay Vergara. Aurelio’s brother Anthony was also defeated by Vergara’s daughter, reelectionist Mayor Myca Vergara, in the mayoral race.
Pampanga also saw a continuation of the Pineda dynasty. Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda defeated Danilo Bailon for the gubernatorial position, while her son Gov. Dennis Pineda won the vice gubernatorial race against former governor Eduardo “Among Ed” Panlilio.
Lilia’s daughter Mylyn, however, lost the battle for mayor in San Fernando City to Vilma Caluag.
Family succession was also evident in Tarlac province with Christian Yap winning the governorship now held by his mother, Susan Yap.
Susan emerged the winner in the Tarlac City mayoral race, but her brother Victor lost the 2nd District congressional race.
Similarly, Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. cruised to a third and final term as Zambales governor, winning by a huge margin over Aeta leader Chito Balintay.
His son Rundy retained his seat on the provincial board, while his other son, Jun Omar, was reelected mayor of Botolan town.
Vice Gov. Jacqueline Khonghun and her brother, 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun, were reelected. Their brother Jon Khonghun was also elected mayor of Subic town and their father Jeffrey Khonghun mayor of Castillejos town. All four ran unopposed.
Jacqueline’s son Jamiel Khonghun Escalona won a second term as councilor of Olongapo City.
Overall, the political landscape of Central Luzon continues to be heavily influenced by enduring political dynasties. — PCIJ.org