Masbate logged the highest number of uncontested political positions in the Bicol region after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) wrapped up its eight-day filing period of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 national and local elections.
According to Comelec regional executive director Maria Juana Valeza, several towns across Masbate have no challengers for the 27 available local government positions including mayor, vice mayor and board members.
In Cataingan, there are eight aspirants for Sangguniang Bayan members. The candidates for mayor and vice mayor in the following towns, however, are running unopposed: Aroroy, Balud, Batuan, Esperanza, Mobo, Monreal, Palanas, Pio V. Corpuz, San Fernando, San Jacinto, and Uson.
Sorsogon has three uncontested positions for mayor and vice mayor. In Prieto Diaz, a fifth-class municipality, there is only one candidate for mayor and one for vice mayor. The aspiring vice mayor in Magallanes also has no opponents.
Two towns in the island province of Catanduanes have uncontested positions. One person filed a COC to serve as mayor of Panganiban, while the vice mayor candidate in Viga has no opponent. Guinobatan in Albay also found only one applicant for vice mayor.
Overall, there are six candidates for mayors, 13 vice mayors and several Sangguniang Bayan positions who are facing no competition in the coming 2025 national and local elections across the Bicol region.
