LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats candidates in the province of Albay topped the Social Weather Station survey conducted during the months of March and April.
DARAGA Church in Daraga, Albay. At right is Mayon Volcano. (WIkipedia)
In the survey conducted March 29 to April 5, Lakas mayoral candidates showed significant strength, leading races in Legazpi City and at least eight towns. In other municipalities, Lakas bets are close second.
Albay has 15 municipalities and three cities.
In Legazpi City, Sangguniang Panlalawigan ex-officio and barangay captain Hisham Ismail holds the lead with 39 percent voter support, ahead of disqualified Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal (PDP-Laban) with 32 percent.
Lakas candidates in the municipalities of Malinao, Santo Domingo, Tiwi, Camalig, Daraga, Rapu-Rapu, Pio Duran, and Polangui are also leading their opponents.
In Malinao town, Leny Ceriola is in a statistical tie with Liberal Party’s (LP) Shie Capus while Jun Aguas leads over PFP’s Bong Banda in Santo Domingo and Russel Reyes is ahead of LP’s Jojo Climaco in Tiwi.
In Camalig town, Caloy Baldo leads Noel Muñoz of PDP-Laban while Lhal Baldo is ahead of PDP-Laban’s Vic Perete in Daraga.
Otoy Galicia dominates over PDP-Laban’s Wilson Gulanan in Rapu-Rapu; Vangie Arandia leads NUP’s Ate Kap BB-Ghie Bazar-Gurat in Pio Duran, and Jesciel Salceda is ahead of independent Andy Mariscotes in Polangui.
In other towns, Lakas candidates are running a competitive second.
Edsel Belleza is slightly behind LP’s Nookie Bombales in Bacacay and Rey Bragais trails LP’s Alex Burce in Tabaco City.
Tight races were also observed in Guinobatan, where Chino Garcia is just behind NUP’s Ann Gemma Ongjoco; in Jovellar, with Joey Nobleza trailing NUP’s Jorem Arcangel and in Libon, where Ding Olivarez follows NUP’s Mac Sayson.
Lakas candidates also hold second place, though by wider margins, in Malilipot, Ligao City, and Oas.
In the gubernatorial race, Lakas bet Joey Salceda is leading over former Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal of PDP-Laban while Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co’s sister, Diday Co, is ahead against opponent Jun Alegre.
Lakas candidates are also leading in all three congressional districts of Albay.
In the first district, Ako Bicol Rep. Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon has overtaken Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman (Liberal Party).
In the second district, former Ako Bicol Rep. Christopher “Kito” Co is far ahead of his opponent, Caloy Loria (PDP-Laban).
In the third district, Polangui Mayor Adrian Salceda continues to maintain his lead over Fernando Cabredo (National Unity Party).