SOUTHERN LEYTE – Roger “Oging” Mercado and Christopherson “Coco” Yap have secured their seats in the House of Representatives, representing Southern Leyte’s 1st and 2nd districts, respectively, in the recently concluded 2025 midterm elections.
Roger Gaviola Mercado, a seasoned politician and government official, reclaimed his position as the representative of Southern Leyte’s 1st district unopposed.
Mercado’s political career spans several decades, having previously served as the lone district representative of Southern Leyte and as the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways. His return to Congress is seen as a continuation of his commitment to infrastructure development and public service in the region.
Incumbent Christopherson Macabata Yap successfully defended his seat in Southern Leyte’s 2nd district. Affiliated with the Lakas–CMD party, Yap faced a challenge from independent candidate Emie Tan. While specific vote counts are pending official release as of this writing, early reports indicate that Yap maintained a significant lead over his opponent, reflecting continued support from his constituents.
Yap’s legislative focus has included initiatives on environmental protection, particularly advocating for the Panaon Island Protective Seascape, and efforts to enhance local infrastructure and education.
The re-election of both Mercado and Yap ensures experienced representation for Southern Leyte in the national legislature. Their combined expertise and political influence are anticipated to further the province’s development goals, agriculture, and address the needs of their respective districts. (DYbañez)
