LAKAS SHOWS STRENGTH
LAKAS-Cristian Muslim Democrats (CMD) candidate and Rep. Joey Salceda is leading the gubernatorial race in Albay, according to a recent survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS).
The poll, conducted from March 29 to April 5, 2025, shows Salceda securing 44% of voter support, an increase from 38% in March, with approximately 418,000 voters backing his bid. This places him ahead of former Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal (PDP-Laban), who trails with 32% support, translating to about 302,000 voters.
Salceda, a seasoned politician and economist, has long been a dominant figure in the province. His campaign is gaining momentum as the local election period officially kicked off on March 28, or 45 days before the May 12 national and local elections.
Rosal, who has faced legal challenges in the past—including a disqualification for election code violations in 2022—now finds himself in a difficult position, needing over 100,000 additional votes to close the gap with Salceda.
In the vice-gubernatorial race, Salceda’s running mate, Diday Co, emerged as the top choice among voters, securing 37% of the vote, up from 30% in March. This reflects a 7-point surge, with an estimated 350,000 voters in her corner. Former journalist and broadcaster Jun Alegre (PDP-Laban) maintained his position at 18%—roughly 173,000 voters, or about half of Co’s support.
Albay’s political landscape has been marked by alliances and legal controversies in recent years. Suspended Governor Greco “Grex” Lagman had withdrawn from the race, lending his support to Rosal. Both Lagman and Rosal face legal battles—Lagman was suspended in 2024 over allegations of accepting illegal payoffs, while Rosal was disqualified from office in 2022 for election-related violations. These issues add to the political volatility in the province as Salceda remains the frontrunner.
Albay’s political scene has been historically influenced by powerful dynasties, with Salceda and Rosal being prominent figures. As the May 12 elections draw near, voters in Albay continue to weigh the candidates’ leadership, governance track record, and ability to address critical issues such as disaster resilience and climate change adaptation.
The results of this latest survey indicate that Salceda and Co’s popularity remains strong, as they continue to build on their extensive experience and governance initiatives for the province.
