In a historic and peaceful election held on May 12, 2025, the people of Southern Leyte came together to cast their votes and choose the leaders they believe will bring progress and change to the province. From bustling towns to remote barangays, the excitement was palpable as voters lined up with hope and conviction. In the provincial races, Damian Mercado was elected as Governor, Milai Mercado as Vice Governor, Oging Mercado as Congressman for the 1st District, and Coco Yap as Congressman for the 2nd District. Elected as Board Members for the 1st District were Jojo Maraon, Alan Jose Aroy, Boy Rojas, Rolly Manalo, and King Ruales, while Nap Regis, Rolan Bacoy, Roy Dator, Boy Mortera, and Jay Calva secured seats for the 2nd District.
At the municipal level in Tomas Oppus elected were Ivan Pano as Mayor and Nicanor Tahup as Vice Mayor, along with councilors Desiree Escaño, Boy Octubre, Marie Timbal, Doctorlod Mosot, Gerard Agustin Escaño, Nelson Aves, Junjun Bernales, and Danny Gumanit.
Sogod chose Sheffered Lino Tan as Mayor and Ramil Golo as Vice Mayor, with Rhett Gabronino, Rogelyn Paranas, Krishna Villa, Edgar Atuel, Nono Olo, Ely Faelnar, Bert Casil, and Alna Dejarme as councilors.
In Silago, Lemuel Honor and Sandielito Ando won as Mayor and Vice Mayor respectively, joined by Ed Gomez, Jiffrey Honor, Enton Mendoza, Giging Labrador, Eddie Dollente, Artem Montaña, Tony Mate, and Juning Malaki in the council.
San Ricardo elected Doktora Domingo as Mayor and Joel Avila as Vice Mayor, with Ongkoy Salinas, William Jr. Yu, Dodong Gloria, Opong Villaren, Sammy Salabe, Sandro Aboyot, Lynlyn Palacio, and Ram Mercado in the council.
San Juan voters chose Tado Saludo as Mayor and Lou Laplap as Vice Mayor, alongside councilors Catherine Renegado, Deden Berondo, Arnold Luego, Rico Calas, Junie Casera, En-En Yu, Joel Orozco, and Yongyong Ouano.
In San Francisco, Jason Ortizo and Fe Maruhom were elected as Mayor and Vice Mayor, with Jun Gamutan, Lylwynn Lim, Jamen Micabalo, Yonnie Bero, Boy Amarga, Honorio Jr. Magoncia, Jun Lutero, and Emma Tapales joining the council.
Saint Bernard elected Eddie Mulig as Mayor and Joylim Bungcaras as Vice Mayor, with councilors Loloy Añora, Eralin Caday, Redan Balasico, Arnold Cuaton, Emily Acampado, Jaenas Cuaton, Gypsie So, and Antonio Dalugdugan.
In Pintuyan, Ric-Ric Estrella and Anna Liza Salinas won as Mayor and Vice Mayor, along with councilors Toto Bagasbas, Roberto Herrera, Rodrigo Amper, Franito Amoncio, Archie Asuncion, Roslyn Ong, Tata Amoncio, and Danilo Olaivar.
Padre Burgos elected Freiche Poblete as Mayor and Hermie Culpa as Vice Mayor, with Sander Neuda, Atty. Mabelle Poblete, Brian Gilles, Dongdong Culpa, Sepok Bactindon, Engr. Sam Demeterio, Kristine Cuevas, and Rodel Iballa in the council.
In Malitbog, Kenneth Oben was elected Mayor and Eping Namoc as Vice Mayor, joined by Ryan Dy, Nene Oben, Maida Campilan, Bebie Gabriel, Atty. Jimmie Alforque, Meloy Acuña, Mon Mon Escaño, and Gelic Siega in the municipal council.
Macrohon voters chose Jerome Curtina as Mayor and Fe Edillo as Vice Mayor, with Jacob Madrona, Karen Kinazo, Debra Fe Ligtas, Rofelia Edillo, Emely Saavedra, Menchie Ann Salinas, Yuri Wray, and Roy Tiempo as councilors.
In the City of Maasin, Luz Mercado and Effie Abiera were elected as Mayor and Vice Mayor, with Gani Mercado, Concon Gerong, Jigjig Paler, Stong Enage, Minda Rosete, Eliseo Costillas, Mikee Mercado, Romy Geniston, Margarita Bantug, and Ty Duarte in the council.
Limasawa elected Melchor Petracorta as Mayor and Ritche Salomon as Vice Mayor, with councilors Frie Montanes, Ezer Angob, Arben Dagohoy, Gony Galvez, Modesto Petracorta, Sally Oro, Jona Lambot, and Renato Salomon.
In Liloan, Jonna Adan and Shirley Chong won as Mayor and Vice Mayor, with Boyett Barba, JB Chua, Alex Lim, Oting Handayan, Bicbic Chua, Eddie Cero, Boy Cuares, and Pinky Comabig in the council.
Libagon elected Oliver Ranque as Mayor and Beth Saldivar as Vice Mayor, with councilors Edgar Peñaredondo, Oning Amparo, Mai Ranque, Gemma Odal, Tomas Jr. Endico, Rey Calooy, Boyen Cahucom, and Sulficia Endriga.
In Hinundayan, Eboy Lee and Elisa Cadingan were elected as Mayor and Vice Mayor, alongside Gerry Resma, Bedot Pedrera, Edith Ramirez, Andat Almosa, Tata Amora, Lerma Lagumbay, Pating Abuyog, and Lani Adolfo.
Hinunangan chose Ymard Tocmo as Mayor and Sonny Fernandez as Vice Mayor, with Gary Comeling, Lourdes Jumangit, Ryan Fernandez, Junwil Dy, Virgie Kuizon, Coring Alas, Francis Jr. Cardona, and Aida Bulingit as councilors.
In Bontoc, Noel Alinsub and Rodulfo Nablea were elected as Mayor and Vice Mayor, with councilors Marlina Sullivan, Teody Lampong, Florencia Carbonilla, Rodrigo Tomaub, James Olayvar, Joel Guasa, Rom Plom Dizon, and Lydia Fustanes.
Finally, Anahawan voters elected Alfredo Jr. Luna as Mayor and Atoy Vestal as Vice Mayor, with GP Cagasan, Dalton Siasol, Mara Pabon, Arleen Vestal, Dagol De Jesus, Ely Libutan, Lolito Gunda, and Totoy Cabrera rounding out the council.
With a strong mandate from their constituents, these newly elected officials are now tasked with steering Southern Leyte toward a future of growth, unity, and responsive governance.
