TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – Political pundits in Eastern Visayas had disclosed this early the possible contenders in the 2016 elections, starting with Tacloban City Councilor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez, wife of Mayor Alfred rumored to run for mayor against incumbent Vice Mayor Zambo Yaokasin.
Representative Martin Romualdez (1st district, Leyte) was also reported to be vying for a senatorial seat, as he will yield the post to his wife, Yedda, who will run for the same congressional post, unopposed they said.
Incumbent Leyte Governor Dominic Petilla was reported to bid for re-election, without any opposition, prompting some political groups to urge former Vice Governor Aurelio Menzon to give Petilla a fight for the post.
Menzon however has yet to confirm and decide if he will be a candidate for Leyte governor, saying no political party has approached him for the matter at this time.
In Northern Samar, where two political families have been clashing for supremacy in the province, it was reported that 79-year-old Raul Daza, former congressman and governor, will be contesting the governorship against former representative Emil Ong, brother of incumbent Gov. Jose Ong.
Governor Ong will now run for a congressional seat in the 1st district, reportedly against retired Colonel Esteban Uy.
Meanwhile, Raul’s son, Paul Daza, himself a former governor and congressman, will be bidding for the 2nd district congressional post against incumbent Reprepresentative Harlin Abayon.