In this quick look at the 2022 party-list election results in the Visayas, the IKOT.PH Strategic Research Team listed all the party-list groups that obtained at least 2% of the votes in each of the provinces and independent cities of Western Visayas (Region VI), Central Visayas (Region VII), Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), and the Negros Island Region (Region XVIII).
“In almost 60% of the provinces and independent cities in the Visayas, only one up to five party-list groups controlled more than 50% of their votes.”
It can immediately be seen that in almost 60% of the provinces and independent cities in the Visayas, only one up to five party-list groups (out of the 178 official candidates) controlled more than 50% of their votes.
| 1 PL controls 50%+ | 2 PLs control 50%+ | 3 PLs control 50%+ | 4 PLs control 50%+ | 5 PLs control 50%+ |
| City of Iloilo | Iloilo | Southern Leyte | City of Bacolod | Antique |
| Guimaras | Leyte | Eastern Samar | Capiz | |
| City of Tacloban | Samar | Biliran | ||
| Ormoc City |
“The votes in almost 25% of the areas are at least 70% taken.”
If we look at all the party-list groups that obtained at least 2% of the votes in each of the provinces and independent cities, then we will notice that the votes in almost 25% of the areas are at least 70% taken, the votes in almost 60% of the areas are at least 60% taken, and the votes in more than 90% of the areas are at least 50% taken. Only the City of Cebu (49.00%) and Negros Oriental (43.36%) logged numbers of less than 50% taken, but none lower than 43%.
| 70%+ Taken | 60%+ Taken | 50%+ Taken | 40%+ Taken |
| City of Tacloban (3 PLs out of the 178) | City of Iloilo (3 PLs out of the 178) | City of Bacolod (6 PLs out of the 178) | Negros Oriental (9 PLs out of the 178) |
| Ormoc City (4 PLs out of the 178) | Guimaras (3 PLs out of the 178) | Capiz (7 PLs out of the 178) | City of Cebu (12 PLs out of the 178) |
| Leyte (5 PLs out of the 178) | Iloilo (4 PLs out of the 178) | Aklan (8 PLs out of the 178) | |
| Eastern Samar (6 PLs out of the 178) | Southern Leyte (6 PLs out of the 178) | City of Lapu-Lapu (8 PLs out of the 178) | |
| Samar (6 PLs out of the 178) | Antique (8 PLs out of the 178) | Cebu (8 PLs out of the 178) | |
| Northern Samar (9 PLs out of the 178) | Negros Occidental (9 PLs out of the 178) | ||
| Biliran (10 PLs out of the 178) | Siquijor (12 PLs out of the 178) | ||
| Bohol (11 PLs out of the 178) |
In any case, let us now examine in detail each of the provinces and independent cities of Western Visayas (Region VI), Central Visayas (Region VII), Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), and the Negros Island Region (Region XVIII).
WESTERN VISAYAS (REGION VI)
| CITY/PROVINCE | PARTY-LIST | PERCENTAGE OF VOTES | RUNNING TOTAL |
| GUIMARAS | USWAG ILONGGO | 57.08 | 57.08 |
| GUIMARAS | AAMBIS-OWA | 6.28 | 63.36 |
| GUIMARAS | MALASAKIT@BAYANIHAN | 6.02 | 69.38 |
| CITY OF ILOILO | USWAG ILONGGO | 63.00 | 63.00 |
| CITY OF ILOILO | AAMBIS-OWA | 2.80 | 65.80 |
| CITY OF ILOILO | ACT-CIS | 2.15 | 67.95 |
| ILOILO | USWAG ILONGGO | 37.58 | 37.58 |
| ILOILO | AAMBIS-OWA | 23.00 | 60.58 |
| ILOILO | TINGOG | 3.04 | 63.62 |
| ILOILO | ACT-CIS | 2.14 | 65.76 |
| ANTIQUE | ANAKALUSUGAN | 12.63 | 12.63 |
| ANTIQUE | USWAG ILONGGO | 10.70 | 23.33 |
| ANTIQUE | WOW PILIPINAS | 10.18 | 33.51 |
| ANTIQUE | AAMBIS-OWA | 10.17 | 43.68 |
| ANTIQUE | COOP NATCCO | 9.57 | 53.25 |
| ANTIQUE | ACT-CIS | 4.12 | 57.37 |
| ANTIQUE | 4PS | 2.51 | 59.88 |
| ANTIQUE | PINUNO | 2.40 | 62.28 |
| CAPIZ | USWAG ILONGGO | 23.69 | 23.69 |
| CAPIZ | PINUNO | 12.45 | 36.14 |
| CAPIZ | AKO BISAYA | 8.08 | 44.22 |
| CAPIZ | UMA ILONGGO | 4.61 | 48.83 |
| CAPIZ | ACT-CIS | 3.73 | 52.56 |
| CAPIZ | 4PS | 2.50 | 55.06 |
| CAPIZ | AKO ILOCANO AKO | 2.12 | 57.18 |
| AKLAN | USWAG ILONGGO | 27.94 | 27.94 |
| AKLAN | KALINGA | 7.33 | 35.27 |
| AKLAN | ACT-CIS | 5.45 | 40.72 |
| AKLAN | 4PS | 3.27 | 43.99 |
| AKLAN | UMA ILONGGO | 2.54 | 46.53 |
| AKLAN | APEC | 2.16 | 48.69 |
| AKLAN | TINGOG | 2.10 | 50.79 |
| AKLAN | SENIOR CITIZENS PARTYLIST | 2.02 | 52.81 |
“Uswag Ilonggo was the topnotcher in five out of the six provinces and one independent city of Western Visayas.”
Uswag Ilonggo was the topnotcher in five out of the six provinces and one independent city of Western Visayas (Region VI). Except for the single province of Antique where it ranked number two, Uswag Ilonggo ranked number one in Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and the City of Iloilo. It was founded in 2020 by long-time Iloilo politician and incumbent City of Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas who previously served multiple terms as Councilor, Mayor and Congressman. Its first nominee and incumbent representative is Cong. Jojo Ang of Pavia, Iloilo, whose uncle owns what is reportedly the largest construction company in Panay Island and in the entire Western Visayas (Region VI), the International Builders Corporation. If it garnered two seats, Raisa Treñas, the daughter of Mayor Jerry Treñas who served as second nominee of Uswag Ilonggo, would have become a member of Congress as well. She is now running for Mayor of the City of Iloilo in a bid to replace her father in 2025. All the other nominees of Uswag Ilonggo are also Ilonggos. Clearly, this is a regional organization, not just in name, but also in everything else. That explains why they are the dominant party-list group in Western Visayas (Region VI). For information, Uswag Ilonggo is only in its first term (2022-2025).
As for Antique where Uswag Ilonggo only ranked second, and where three other party-list groups managed to clinch double digits, we need to take a closer look. Here goes.
AnaKalusugan, a Batangas-based party-list group where it got almost 70% of its total votes, took the first spot at 12.63%. Why? Ray Roquero, a former Mayor of Valderrama, Antique, and also a former Board Member of Antique, and likewise a long-term government official holding multiple top-level positions across varied government agencies (PRA, PSC, PCSO, SBMA, CEZA, and DILG), was one of its nominees, and focused on campaigning for AnaKalusugan in Antique, akin to a local election campaign. For 2025, Ray Roquero was supposed to run for Governor of Antique, and was already long preparing to do so, but at the last minute he decided to once again be a nominee for Anakalusugan. He will most probably target to make AnaKalusugan the topnotcher again for Antique, and maybe win for himself a seat in Congress if they produce enough votes for two seats as he is its second nominee. For information, AnaKalusugan is only in its first term (2022-2025).
Next, Wow Pilipinas took the third spot at 10.18%. Why? Genevive Lim-Reyes, a former Mayor of Caluya, Antique, and who also served as Vice Mayor of Caluya, Antique, was its number one nominee. She was also President of the League of Municipalities, Antique Chapter, when she was Mayor, and she was likewise President of the Vice Mayors League, Antique Chapter, when she was Vice Mayor. Her brother, Nonoy Lim, is the incumbent Mayor of Caluya, Antique. For 2025, Genevive Lim-Reyes is running for Vice Governor of Antique. Wow Pilipinas, on the other hand, is already disqualified from participating in the party-list election after having lost in both the 2022 as well as in the 2019 elections. For information, Wow Pilipinas has never won a seat in Congress.
Last, AAMBIS-OWA took the fourth spot at 10.17%. Why? Usec. Sharon Garin, now Undersecretary at the Department of Energy, was its multi-term representative. Her entire family is into Iloilo politics. Her father, Oscar Garin, Sr., was a former Mayor of Guimbal, Iloilo and a former Congressman of the 1st District of Iloilo. Her mother, Ninfa Garin, was a former Mayor of San Joaquin, Iloilo and a former Congresswoman of the 1st District of Iloilo. Her brother, Mayor Richard Garin, is the incumbent Mayor of Miagao, Iloilo and was a former Congressman of the 1st District of Iloilo. Her sister-in-law (wife of the Mayor of Miagao), Cong. Janette Garin, is now the incumbent Congresswoman of the 1st District of Iloilo, and she was also a former Secretary of the Department of Health. One of her sisters, Vice Governor Christine Garin, is the incumbent Vice Governor of Iloilo. Another sister, Mayor Jennifer Garin-Colada, is the incumbent Mayor of Guimbal, Iloilo. Her brother-in-law (wife of the Mayor of Guimbal), Cong. Lex Colada, is the incumbent representative of AAMBIS-OWA. Whew! This list is long. Anyway, in addition to finishing fourth in Antique, AAMBIS-OWA actually ranked second in Guimaras, Iloilo and the City of Iloilo. Like Uswag Ilonggo, AAMBIS-OWA is a regional organization, not just in name, but also in everything else. It is considered as the oldest and winningest party-list of Panay Island. For information, AAMBIS-OWA is already in its fifth term (2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019, 2019-2022, 2022-2025).
No other party-list groups managed to clinch double digits in Antique.
But wait, there’s more. Also worth looking at in the Western Visayas (Region VI) party-list scene is PINUNO which ranked 2nd in Capiz. Why? Its incumbent representative Cong. Howard Guintu hails from Capiz on the mother side and are related to the Del Rosario clan of Capiz. Tony del Rosario is a former multi-term Mayor of Roxas City, Capiz and was also a former multi-term Congressman of the 1st District of Capiz. He likewise served one term as Governor of Capiz. He is now running for Mayor of Roxas City, Capiz. His son, Board Member Pepe del Rosario, is an incumbent Board Member of Capiz, and is running for reelection. His nephew, Powell del Rosario, is a former Councilor of Roxas City, Capiz, and is now running for Vice Mayor of Roxas City, Capiz alongside him. For 2025, Cong. Howard Guintu is no longer a nominee of PINUNO as he is running for representative of the 1st District of Capiz. His mother, Ida Guintu, replaced him instead as the first nominee. For information, PINUNO is only in its first term (2022-2025).
CENTRAL VISAYAS (REGION VII)
| CITY/PROVINCE | PARTY-LIST | PERCENTAGE OF VOTES | RUNNING TOTAL |
| BOHOL | AKO BISDAK | 18.32 | 18.32 |
| BOHOL | CWS | 10.67 | 28.99 |
| BOHOL | DIWA | 8.48 | 37.47 |
| BOHOL | AKO BISAYA | 5.79 | 43.26 |
| BOHOL | KOOP-KAMPI | 4.40 | 47.66 |
| BOHOL | ACT-CIS | 3.07 | 50.73 |
| BOHOL | AGIMAT | 2.49 | 53.22 |
| BOHOL | YACAP | 2.36 | 55.58 |
| BOHOL | ANG PROBINSIYANO | 2.18 | 57.76 |
| BOHOL | SENIOR CITIZENS PARTYLIST | 2.16 | 59.92 |
| BOHOL | MALASAKIT@BAYANIHAN | 2.01 | 61.93 |
| CEBU | AKO BISAYA | 25.76 | 25.76 |
| CEBU | AGIMAT | 6.45 | 32.21 |
| CEBU | AP PARTYLIST | 4.21 | 36.42 |
| CEBU | ACT-CIS | 3.92 | 40.34 |
| CEBU | AKO BISDAK | 2.75 | 43.09 |
| CEBU | ANG PROBINSIYANO | 2.66 | 45.75 |
| CEBU | 1-PACMAN | 2.56 | 48.31 |
| CEBU | DUTERTE YOUTH | 2.17 | 50.48 |
| CITY OF LAPU-LAPU | MARINO | 19.70 | 19.70 |
| CITY OF LAPU-LAPU | AKO BISAYA | 7.28 | 26.98 |
| CITY OF LAPU-LAPU | TINGOG | 5.96 | 32.94 |
| CITY OF LAPU-LAPU | AGIMAT | 4.93 | 37.87 |
| CITY OF LAPU-LAPU | ACT-CIS | 4.85 | 42.72 |
| CITY OF LAPU-LAPU | DUTERTE YOUTH | 2.85 | 45.57 |
| CITY OF LAPU-LAPU | 1-PACMAN | 2.45 | 48.02 |
| CITY OF LAPU-LAPU | AP PARTYLIST | 2.36 | 50.38 |
| CITY OF CEBU | AKO BISAYA | 8.70 | 8.70 |
| CITY OF CEBU | MARINO | 8.26 | 16.96 |
| CITY OF CEBU | AKO BISDAK | 4.86 | 21.82 |
| CITY OF CEBU | ACT-CIS | 4.36 | 26.18 |
| CITY OF CEBU | STL | 4.32 | 30.50 |
| CITY OF CEBU | AGIMAT | 3.54 | 34.04 |
| CITY OF CEBU | DUTERTE YOUTH | 2.99 | 37.03 |
| CITY OF CEBU | ANG PROBINSIYANO | 2.78 | 39.81 |
| CITY OF CEBU | TINGOG | 2.66 | 42.47 |
| CITY OF CEBU | TUTOK TO WIN | 2.49 | 44.96 |
| CITY OF CEBU | AP PARTYLIST | 2.02 | 46.98 |
| CITY OF CEBU | 1-PACMAN | 2.02 | 49.00 |
“Central Visayas is down to only two provinces and two independent cities when, in 2024, the Negros Island Region was created.”
Central Visayas is down to only two provinces and two independent cities when, in 2024, the Negros Island Region (Region XVIII) was created to include Negros Occidental and the City of Bacolod, both previously belonging to Western Visayas (Region VI), as well as Negros Oriental and Siquijor, both previously belonging to Central Visayas (Region VII). Even with this new regional configuration, Central Visayas (Region VII) remains to be the most populous, and most vote-rich, region in the entire Visayas. Cebu (including the City of Cebu and the City of Lapu-Lapu) comprises more than 70% of the votes in the region. Bohol comprises the remaining almost 30%.
Ako Bisaya was the topnotcher in Cebu and the City of Cebu. It ranked second in the City of Lapu-Lapu and fourth in Bohol. Its incumbent representative is Cong. Sonny Lagon. His wife Cong. Daphne Lagon is the incumbent representative of the 6th District of Cebu. In 2022, former Mayor Joyjoy Alegado of Consolacion, Cebu, was the second nominee of Ako Bisaya. His mother, Mayor Nene Alegado, is the incumbent Mayor of Consolacion, Cebu. For 2025, Joyjoy Alegado is running for Vice Mayor of Consolacion, Cebu, in tandem with his mother. Replacing him as second nominee is Carissa Garcia of the Garcia clan of Cebu. Her grandfather, Pablo Garcia, was a former multi-term Governor and Congressman. Her mother, Gov. Gwen Garcia, is a multi-term and incumbent Governor and former Congresswoman. Her sister, Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco, is a former Mayor of Liloan, Cebu and is now the Secretary of the Department of Tourism, and whose husband, Cong. Duke Frasco, is the incumbent representative of the 5th District of Cebu. Her uncle, Cong. PJ Garcia, is the incumbent representative of the 3rd District of Cebu. Another uncle, Mayor Raymond Garcia, is the incumbent Mayor of the City of Cebu, and whose father, Alvin Garcia, was also once a multi-term Mayor of the City of Cebu. What a powerhouse backing from the premier family of Cebu! For information, Ako Bisaya is already in its second term (2019-2022, 2022-2025).
Ako Bisdak was the topnotcher in Bohol. It ranked third in the City of Cebu and fifth in Cebu. Its top nominees were Ret. Rear Admiral Eboy Enriquez who is a former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and who hails from Carcar, Barili and Sibonga in Cebu and Dodong Mendez who is a former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform and who is also a former National Director of the National Bureau of Immigration and is likewise a former Mayor of San Miguel, Bohol. However, despite ranking high in Central Visayas (Region VII), Ako Bisdak was not able to produce enough votes to win even just a single seat in Congress. For information, Ako Bisdak has never won a seat in Congress and will try its luck again this 2025.
MARINO was the topnotcher in the City of Lapu-Lapu. It ranked second in the City of Cebu. While its first nominee was incumbent second-term Cong. Sandro Gonzalez of the City of Davao, its second nominee was Colinn Rosell, former City Administrator of the City of Cebu. This explains the top ranking in the City of Lapu-Lapu and the runner-up finish in the City of Cebu. For information, MARINO is already in its second term (2019-2022, 2022-2025) but, for some reason, it decided not to participate in the party-list election race of 2025.
A runner up is also worth mentioning on this list. CWS ranked second in Bohol. This is because of the all-out support of second term Cong. Lexie Tutor, the incumbent representative of the 3rd District of Bohol. She was also a former Board Member of the 3rd District of Bohol. Her husband, Vice Mayor Toper Tutor, is a multi-term Mayor of Candijay, Bohol, but is now the incumbent Vice Mayor of Candijay, Bohol, and running for reelection this 2025. This explains the runner up finish of CWS in Bohol. For information, CWS is already in its second term (2019-2022, 2022-2025).
EASTERN VISAYAS (REGION VIII)
| CITY/PROVINCE | PARTY-LIST | PERCENTAGE OF VOTES | RUNNING TOTAL |
| CITY OF TACLOBAN | TINGOG | 55.86 | 55.86 |
| CITY OF TACLOBAN | AN WARAY | 21.48 | 77.34 |
| CITY OF TACLOBAN | APEC | 2.11 | 79.45 |
| EASTERN SAMAR | AN WARAY | 24.62 | 24.62 |
| EASTERN SAMAR | 4PS | 20.13 | 44.75 |
| EASTERN SAMAR | TINGOG | 17.80 | 62.55 |
| EASTERN SAMAR | APEC | 7.25 | 69.80 |
| EASTERN SAMAR | ACT-CIS | 3.03 | 72.83 |
| EASTERN SAMAR | ANG PROBINSIYANO | 2.17 | 75.00 |
| ORMOC CITY | AN WARAY | 55.51 | 55.51 |
| ORMOC CITY | AGIMAT | 8.70 | 64.21 |
| ORMOC CITY | TINGOG | 8.48 | 72.69 |
| ORMOC CITY | ACT-CIS | 2.04 | 74.73 |
| SAMAR | TINGOG | 21.57 | 21.57 |
| SAMAR | ANG PROBINSIYANO | 18.05 | 39.62 |
| SAMAR | AN WARAY | 13.26 | 52.88 |
| SAMAR | APEC | 10.27 | 63.15 |
| SAMAR | 4PS | 8.22 | 71.37 |
| SAMAR | ACT-CIS | 2.37 | 73.74 |
| LEYTE | TINGOG | 30.34 | 30.34 |
| LEYTE | AN WARAY | 24.12 | 54.46 |
| LEYTE | APEC | 11.25 | 65.71 |
| LEYTE | COOP NATCCO | 2.94 | 68.65 |
| LEYTE | AGIMAT | 2.82 | 71.47 |
| SOUTHERN LEYTE | TINGOG | 29.47 | 29.47 |
| SOUTHERN LEYTE | AN WARAY | 17.55 | 47.02 |
| SOUTHERN LEYTE | S.M.I.L.E | 10.47 | 57.49 |
| SOUTHERN LEYTE | COOP NATCCO | 4.89 | 62.38 |
| SOUTHERN LEYTE | APEC | 4.46 | 66.84 |
| SOUTHERN LEYTE | ACT-CIS | 2.81 | 69.65 |
| BILIRAN | TINGOG | 35.94 | 35.94 |
| BILIRAN | AN WARAY | 6.06 | 42.00 |
| BILIRAN | APEC | 3.93 | 45.93 |
| BILIRAN | GP PARTY | 3.44 | 49.37 |
| BILIRAN | ACT-CIS | 3.38 | 52.75 |
| BILIRAN | SENIOR CITIZENS PARTYLIST | 3.18 | 55.93 |
| BILIRAN | COOP NATCCO | 3.01 | 58.94 |
| BILIRAN | AGIMAT | 2.72 | 61.66 |
| BILIRAN | 4PS | 2.60 | 64.26 |
| BILIRAN | MANILA TEACHERS | 2.55 | 66.81 |
| NORTHERN SAMAR | 4PS | 15.18 | 15.18 |
| NORTHERN SAMAR | TINGOG | 12.13 | 27.31 |
| NORTHERN SAMAR | DIWA | 11.81 | 39.12 |
| NORTHERN SAMAR | APEC | 5.68 | 44.80 |
| NORTHERN SAMAR | ACT-CIS | 4.42 | 49.22 |
| NORTHERN SAMAR | TRABAHO | 3.85 | 53.07 |
| NORTHERN SAMAR | AN WARAY | 2.85 | 55.92 |
| NORTHERN SAMAR | ALSA BISAYA | 2.72 | 58.64 |
| NORTHERN SAMAR | BARKADAHAN | 2.60 | 61.24 |
“70% or more of the votes in three out of the six provinces and in both independent cities of Eastern Visayas are taken and 60% or more of the votes in the remaining three out of the six provinces are taken.”
There are two party-list groups that have dominated all the six provinces and two independent cities of Eastern Visayas (Region VIII). Both finished in the top one to three in all but one area in the whole region, where one still finished second (Tingog) but the other already finished seventh (An Waray).
70% or more of the votes in three out of the six provinces and in both independent cities of Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) are taken.
60% or more of the votes in the remaining three out of the six provinces of Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) are taken.
Furthermore, a third party-list group managed to finish in the top three to five in all but one area in the whole Eastern Visayas (Region VIII).
Moreover, a fourth party-list group managed to finish in the top one to five of all three Samar provinces only, without getting anything substantial from the rest of the areas in Eastern Visayas (Region VIII).
For the details, we shall narrate one after the other. Here goes.
Tingog is the number one party-list group in Eastern Visayas (Region VIII). It is a regional organization based in the City of Tacloban. Currently having two seats, its incumbent representatives are Cong. Yedda Romualdez, a former Congresswoman of the 1st District of Leyte and the wife of multi-term Congressman of the 1st District of Leyte and incumbent Speaker of the House of Representatives Martin Romualdez, and Cong. Jude Acidre, a former Chief of Staff of Cong. Yedda Romualdez but is now a Congressman himself representing their party-list. Tingog finished first in the City of Tacloban, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran. Truly, Tingog is a regional organization, not just in name, but also in everything else. For information, Tingog is already in its second term (2019-2022, 2022-2025).
An Waray is the number two party-list in Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) for the 2022 elections, but it is by far regarded as the most successful regional organization in Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), until its untimely demise. The COMELEC cancelled its registration, and was affirmed by the Commission en banc in August 2023, and upheld by the Supreme Court in August 2024. Therefore, it has already lost its seat and can no longer participate in the 2025 party-list election race. From 2004-2013, its representative for three straight terms was Bem Noel, a native of the City of Tacloban, plus Neil Montejo in 2010-2013 because they got two seats for that term, who is also another native of the City of Tacloban. As for the 2013-2016 term which was the cause of the cancellation of their registration, An Waray was represented by Neil Montejo and Victoria Noel, sister of Bem Noel, because originally they were given two seats. After a recomputation ordered by the Supreme Court, it was determined that An Waray only secured one seat. The problem arose when second nominee Victoria Noel assumed the position of Congresswoman without a proclamation from the COMELEC. This illegal assumption eventually led to the cancellation of their registration. Anyway, from 2016-2019, its representative was the same Victoria Noel but this time without any issue. From 2019-2025 but unfinished, its representative was Bem Noel, who has been unseated in 2024 after the Supreme Court upheld the COMELEC ruling. For 2025, Bem Noel is running for Congressman of the lone district of the City of Malabon, where his wife incumbent Cong. Jaye Noel has served multiple terms as Congresswoman. For 2025, she is running for Mayor in the City of Malabon. Their son, Councilor Nino Noel, is an incumbent Councilor of the 1st District of the City of Malabon and is running for reelection. For information, An Waray is already in its seventh term (2004-2007, 2007-2010, 2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019, 2019-2022, 2022-2025), but this last one was cut short when the COMELEC cancelled its registration.
APEC is the number three party-list group in Eastern Visayas (Region VIII). It is one of the original party-list groups ever since the party-list representation in Congress began in 1998. That year, it was the only party-list (out of the fourteen who won) that secured two seats. Since that first victory, it won six more times, once even securing three seats (2004-2007), a total of three times securing two seats (1998-2001, 2001-2004, 2007-2010), and thrice securing one seat (2010-2013, 2019-2022, 2022-2025). While it is not only based in Eastern Visayas as it is composed of electric cooperatives all over the country, needless to mention, all electric cooperatives in Eastern Visayas obviously campaigned for and will continue to campaign for APEC in all the upcoming party-list election races. For information, APEC is already in its seventh term (1998-2001, 2001-2004, 2004-2007, 2007-2010, 2010-2013, 2019-2022, 2022-2025).
4PS is the number four party-list group in Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), but it concentrated its operations only in the three Samar provinces (Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar). It finished in the top one to five of these three provinces. 4PS ranked fourth in the 2022 party-list elections and secured two seats. Its incumbent representatives are Minority Leader Cong. Nonoy Libanan and Assistant Minority Leader Cong. JC Abalos. The first nominee, Cong. Libanan, is from Taft, Eastern Samar, and was a former Vice Governor of Eastern Samar and a former three-term Congressman of Eastern Samar. He was also once a Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration. The second nominee, Cong. Abalos, is not from Samar but is well-connected politically. His grandfather, Mayor Ben Abalos, is the incumbent Mayor of the City of Mandaluyong, and was a former multi-term Mayor of the same city, as well as Chairman of the COMELEC and the MMDA. His father, Jon Abalos, was a former Councilor of the City of Mandaluyong. His uncle, Benhur Abalos, was a former multi-term Mayor of the City of Mandaluyong, a former Congressman of the City of Mandaluyong, a former Chairman of the MMDA, and a former Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government. For information, 4PS is only in its first term (2022-2025).
NEGROS ISLAND REGION (REGION XVIII)
| CITY/PROVINCE | PARTY-LIST | PERCENTAGE OF VOTES | RUNNING TOTAL |
| CITY OF BACOLOD | ABANG LINGKOD | 38.05 | 38.05 |
| CITY OF BACOLOD | ACT-CIS | 4.83 | 42.88 |
| CITY OF BACOLOD | MALASAKIT@BAYANIHAN | 4.74 | 47.62 |
| CITY OF BACOLOD | P3PWD | 3.61 | 51.23 |
| CITY OF BACOLOD | USWAG ILONGGO | 3.51 | 54.74 |
| CITY OF BACOLOD | AKO ILOCANO AKO | 2.10 | 56.84 |
| SIQUIJOR | AKO BISDAK | 8.58 | 8.58 |
| SIQUIJOR | ACT-CIS | 6.91 | 15.49 |
| SIQUIJOR | AKO BISAYA | 6.35 | 21.84 |
| SIQUIJOR | ANG PROBINSIYANO | 6.22 | 28.06 |
| SIQUIJOR | MANILA TEACHERS | 6.17 | 34.23 |
| SIQUIJOR | APEC | 4.33 | 38.56 |
| SIQUIJOR | SUBANEN | 2.91 | 41.47 |
| SIQUIJOR | MALASAKIT@BAYANIHAN | 2.48 | 43.95 |
| SIQUIJOR | 4PS | 2.44 | 46.39 |
| SIQUIJOR | SENIOR CITIZENS PARTYLIST | 2.41 | 48.8 |
| SIQUIJOR | DUTERTE YOUTH | 2.38 | 51.18 |
| SIQUIJOR | TULUNGAN TAYO | 2.31 | 53.49 |
| NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | ABANG LINGKOD | 23.68 | 23.68 |
| NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | ACT-CIS | 6.66 | 30.34 |
| NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | USWAG ILONGGO | 5.06 | 35.40 |
| NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | P3PWD | 3.58 | 38.98 |
| NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | KALINGA | 2.69 | 41.67 |
| NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | UMA ILONGGO | 2.62 | 44.29 |
| NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | AKO BREEDER | 2.56 | 46.85 |
| NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | 4PS | 2.44 | 49.29 |
| NEGROS OCCIDENTAL | AKO ILOCANO AKO | 2.17 | 51.46 |
| NEGROS ORIENTAL | ACT-CIS | 13.11 | 13.11 |
| NEGROS ORIENTAL | APEC | 7.39 | 20.50 |
| NEGROS ORIENTAL | CWS | 5.67 | 26.17 |
| NEGROS ORIENTAL | H.E.L.P. PILIPINAS | 3.74 | 29.91 |
| NEGROS ORIENTAL | ANG PROBINSIYANO | 3.66 | 33.57 |
| NEGROS ORIENTAL | ABANG LINGKOD | 3.33 | 36.90 |
| NEGROS ORIENTAL | DUTERTE YOUTH | 2.17 | 39.07 |
| NEGROS ORIENTAL | MANILA TEACHERS | 2.15 | 41.22 |
| NEGROS ORIENTAL | 4PS | 2.14 | 43.36 |
“This Negros Island Region is only the entire island of Negros composed of two provinces and one independent city plus the island province located in its southeastern coast.”
In 2024, the Negros Island Region (Region XVIII) was created to include Negros Occidental and the City of Bacolod, both previously belonging to Western Visayas (Region VI), as well as Negros Oriental and Siquijor, both previously belonging to Central Visayas (Region VII). Basically, this Negros Island Region is only the entire island of Negros composed of two provinces and one independent city plus the island province located in its southeastern coast.
In this new region, there is only one dominant party-list group, and it actually dominated the City of Bacolod and Negros Occidental only. It merely landed 6th in Negros Oriental where only one party-list group garnered double digits anyway, and not a single party-list group reached double digits in Siquijor, including this dominant group.
Abang Lingkod is the top party-list group in the new Negros Island Region (Region XVIII), capturing almost 40% of the party-list votes in the City of Bacolod (no other party-list group reached double digits in the City of Bacolod), almost 25% of the party-list votes in Negros Occidental (no other party-list group reached double digits in Negros Occidental), but almost 4% of the party-list votes only in Negros Oriental (although only one party-list group actually reached double digits anyway). It did not reach 2% of the party-list votes in Siquijor (not a single party-list group reached double digits in Siquijor). Its incumbent representative is multi-term Cong. Caraps Paduano, a native of E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental. For 2025, the new first nominee of Abang Lingkod is three-term Board Member of the 3rd District of Bacolod Board Member Manman Ko. Abang Lingkod is also politically and financially backed by former multi-term representative of the 3rd District of Negros Occidental and now incumbent Mayor of the City of Bacolod Albee Benitez. For 2025, he has filed his certificate of candidacy to return to his old post of Congressman of the 3rd District of Negros Occidental. His brother, Kiko Benitez, is a former Congressman of the 3rd District of Negros Occidental but resigned his post in 2024 when he was appointed as Director General of TESDA. His son, Javi Benitez, is the incumbent Mayor of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, and is running for reelection. For information, Abang Lingkod is already in its fourth term (2013-2016, 2016-2019, 2019-2022, 2022-2025).
THE POWER OF THE TONGUE
“The tongue is the only power in the party-list race of the Visayas.”
There is no higher power than the power of the tongue. In fact, it is the only power, at least in the party-list race of the Visayas. Language rules.
“Language rules.”
Ilonggo for Ilonggo.
In Western Visayas, the votes are, to be sure, owned by Uswag Ilonggo. Its name speaks for itself, and is self-explanatory why they are the runaway. Runner-up, without a doubt, is AAMBIS-OWA which is also nothing but Ilonggo. Honorable mention are AnaKalusugan (but only for Antique) and PINUNO (but only for Capiz) because both have deep roots in these provinces. Wow Pilipinas (which placed third in Antique with a little over 10%) is now out of the picture, so this share may be up for grabs.
Cebuano for Cebuano. Boholano for Boholano. Bisayâ for Bisayâ.
In Central Visayas, the votes are undoubtedly owned by Ako Bisaya, even more so for the 2025 race because it got a major shot in the arm. Runner-up is Ako Bisdak but nowhere near the frontrunner because they are not incumbent and they are coming from a loss in 2022. Honorable mention is CWS (but only for Bohol) because they have a local surrogate. MARINO (which topped the City of Lapu-Lapu at almost 20%) is now out of the picture, so this share may be up for grabs.
Waray for Waray.
In Eastern Visayas, the votes are unquestionably owned by Tingog, most especially now that An Waray, the longest-running and most successful party-list group in the region, is permanently out of the picture (its registration as a party-list has been cancelled with finality). The new runner-up, but from quite a distance, is APEC, because of the continued presence of all the electric cooperatives in the region. Honorable mention is 4PS (but only for the Samar provinces) because they only operate there. To reiterate, An Waray is now out of the picture, so it would be interesting where all their votes will go: An Waray finished first in Eastern Samar and Ormoc City, finished second in the City of Tacloban, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran, finished third in Samar, and finished seventh in Northern Samar. An Waray finished in the top one to three in all but one area in the whole region. What a haul! To emphasize, with An Waray out of the picture, this big bulk of votes may be up for grabs.
Bacolodnon for Bacolodnon. Negrosanon for Negrosanon.
In the Negros Island Region, the votes are owned by Abang Lingkod (but only for the City of Bacolod and Negros Occidental). Negros Oriental and Siquijor are, it can be said, up for grabs.
UP FOR GRABS
At least 70% of the party-list votes in almost 25% of the areas in the Visayas are taken.
At least 60% of the party-list votes in almost 60% of the areas in the Visayas are taken.
At least 50% of the party-list votes in more than 90% of the areas in the Visayas are taken.
“Language rules the party-list race of the Visayas.”
This area is a tight hole to pass through, except that there are several party-list groups that happen to already be out of the picture, making their former shares possibly up for grabs. However, these votes may be open only to those who speak the language, as shown in historical data, at least from the 2022 elections.
Ilonggo for Ilonggo. Cebuano for Cebuano. Boholano for Boholano. Bisayâ for Bisayâ. Waray for Waray. Bacolodnon for Bacolodnon. Negrosanon for Negrosanon. This is what all the numbers have shown. Language rules the party-list race of the Visayas.
