As the 2025 midterm elections unfolded, political battlegrounds across the country heated up. The votes were cast, and the regions that had a significant portion of the electorate proved pivotal in the races.

Calabarzon, with 9.7 million voters, led the pack, followed by Central Luzon, home to 7.7 million voters. Central Visayas, Bicol and Western Visayas, contributed 4.3 million, 4.1 million, and 3.2 million voters respectively, also holding considerable sway.

In regions like Bicol, Cebu and Davao del Sur, the power of long-established political dynasties was challenged by rival families, shifting loyalties, and legal disputes. The midterm elections shaped up to be a major test for these dynasties, as old alliances were redefined and new political players rose up.

Bicol: A region in flux

In the Bicol region, which political dynasties have long dominated, tensions ran high. Legacy families fought to maintain their control amid a wave of disqualification cases and the rise of new challengers.

In Albay, three-term Representative Joey Salceda staged a bold bid to return to the governorship, relying on a wide network of political allies, including relatives running for various local offices. His main rival, former Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal, was in a precarious situation after being disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) due to campaign violations.

This opened the door for independent candidate Rosaler Sara Jr. to join the race after suspended Governor Grex Lagman withdrew amid allegations of his involvement in a P8-million jueteng payoff.

Congressional races in the region were no less dramatic.

In the 1st District of Albay, Tabaco Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro battled it out with her former ally, AKB Representative Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon.

The contest pitted political experience versus a fresh perspective, as both candidates vied for control of the district.

Meanwhile, the influential Co family, which controls the SunWest business empire and has deep ties to AKB, positioned several members, including top nominee Elizaldy Co, to run for key provincial posts. This power struggle was one to watch, as it pitted political muscle against financial might.

Sorsogon: The Escudero and Hamor dynasties

Sorsogon, another province with a long history of dynastic politics, is firmly under the control of the Escudero and Hamor families.

Senator Chiz Escudero’s sister, Representative Marie Bernadette “Dette” Escudero, ran unopposed in the 1st District, further cementing the Escudero family’s influence.

Their cousin, Jun Escudero, made a run for vice governor, while reelectionist Governor Boboy Hamor sought another term.

The Hamor family’s reach extends throughout the region, including Sorsogon City and Casiguran, where Hamor’s wife and daughter both ran for mayor.

But with new challengers to these powerful dynasties, the 2025 elections could usher in a shift in power in a region that has long been governed by these families.

Cebu: Province at a crossroads

In Cebu, a province with a significant 3.4 million registered voters, the political landscape is in the midst of upheaval.

Long considered a bellwether for national politics, Cebu’s political scene is experiencing a break in old alliances.

Governor Gwen Garcia, seeking reelection under the Marcos-aligned One Cebu party, faced a serious challenge from Pamela Baricuatro, a Duterte ally and former PFP secretary general.

Baricuatro’s campaign gained steam with the backing of former Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama’s “Team Liberate Cebu” and the Duranos of Danao City, signaling a fractured political landscape and a challenge to Garcia’s longtime hold on power.

Garcia, who parted ways with the PDP Laban in 2024 due to disagreements with Rama, remains supportive of the Marcos camp but has strategically distanced herself from the Duterte family. Meanwhile, in Cebu City, a crowded mayoral race was intensified.

Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, once aligned with suspended Mayor Mike Rama, ran with Jose Daluz III.

Rama, on the other hand, ran alongside Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros, while Councilor Nestor Archival of BOPK, former Customs chief Yogi Ruiz under PFP, and independent candidate Julieto Co were all in the mix.

In Mandaue City, the mayoral race was equally tense.

Dismissed Mayor Jonas Cortes faced a renewed challenge from Cebu board member Jonkie Ouano, who was once his ally.

Ouano, aligned with the Marcos-backed Lakas-CMD, was in direct competition with Cortes, who ran under Duterte’s banner.

Davao: Political feuds and family rivalries

Davao City witnessed the fierce rivalry between the Duterte and Nograles families.

Former Civil Service Commission Chair Karlo Nograles challenged former President Rodrigo Duterte by running for Davao City mayor.

Once a close ally of Duterte, Karlo claimed he was offering voters a “better choice” and was seeking to make his mark in the region’s political landscape.

Meanwhile, his sister, Representative Migs Nograles, vied for the Davao 1st District seat against incumbent Rep. Paolo Duterte, who was seeking a third and final term.

Mayor Baste Duterte vied for the vice mayoralty alongside his father to continue the Duterte family’s influence in Davao.

In Davao del Sur, the Cagas family, once united, suffered a political fracture.

Incumbent Gov. Yvonne Cagas of the Nacionalista Party ran against her cousin-in-law and former running mate, Vice Governor Aiai Cagas Fernandez, who ran under Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino.

Yvonne’s husband, former Gov. Marc Douglas Cagas, sought the vice governorship in his bid for a political comeback.

Meanwhile, in the 1st District, Rep. John Tracy Cagas came under fire for supporting Vice President Duterte’s impeachment, making the congressional race more contentious. His challenger, broadcaster Jun Blanco Malaza, positioned himself as a pro-Duterte advocate, garnering support from the PDP Laban base.

Smaller towns: A mixed picture

In some areas, the elections were quieter, with local posts uncontested.

In Sulop and Magsaysay, for example, candidates for mayor, vice mayor, and council seats ran unopposed, winning by default.