In this quick look at the 2022 party-list election results in Bicol, 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 one independent city of the Bicol Region (Region 5).
It can immediately be seen that in 50% of the provinces in Bicol, only two party-list groups (out of the 178 official candidates) controlled more than 1/2 of their votes. In almost 90% of its provinces and one independent city, only two up to five party-list groups controlled more than 1/2 of the votes.
| 1 PL controls 50%+ | 2 PLs control 50%+ | 3 PLs control 50%+ | 4 PLs control 50%+ | 5 PLs control 50%+ |
| Catanduanes | Sorsogon | City of Naga | Camarines Norte | |
| Albay | ||||
| Camarines Sur |
If we look at all the party-list groups that obtained at least 2% of the votes in each of the provinces and one independent city, then the space gets even tighter.
| 70%+ Taken | 60%+ Taken | 50%+ Taken |
| Sorsogon (10 PLs out of the 178) | Camarines Sur (5 PLs out of the 178) | Camarines Norte (9 PLs out of the 178) |
| Catanduanes (5 PLs out of the 178) | City of Naga (9 PLs out of the 178) | Masbate (11 PLs out of the 178) |
| Albay (7 PLs out of the 178) |
In any case, let us now examine in detail each of the provinces and one independent city of the Bicol Region (Region 5).
73% of the party-list votes in Sorsogon was captured by only ten party-list groups.
73% of the party-list votes in Sorsogon was captured by only ten party-list groups. 50% of these votes went to only three party-list groups, the top two groups getting a 25% vote share (BHW) and 24% vote share (Ako Bicol), respectively.
| PROVINCE | PARTY-LIST | PERCENTAGE OF VOTES | RUNNING TOTAL |
| SORSOGON | BHW | 25.01 | 25.01 |
| SORSOGON | AKO BICOL | 23.50 | 48.51 |
| SORSOGON | AGRI | 5.25 | 53.76 |
| SORSOGON | BICOL SARO | 4.53 | 58.29 |
| SORSOGON | 4PS | 2.98 | 61.27 |
| SORSOGON | ARISE | 2.57 | 63.84 |
| SORSOGON | TINGOG | 2.35 | 66.19 |
| SORSOGON | COOP NATCCO | 2.25 | 68.44 |
| SORSOGON | ANG PROBINSIYANO | 2.10 | 70.54 |
| SORSOGON | ACT-CIS | 2.09 | 72.63 |
BHW is like a sister party-list, or daughter party-list for that matter, of the most dominant party-list group in the Bicol Region, Ako Bicol. It first won one seat in 2019, then got reelected in 2022. Its incumbent representative is Cong. Nikka Co (2019-2022, 2022-2025), daughter of former three-term Ako Bicol Cong. Christopher Co (2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019). Basically, Cong. Nikka Co replaced her father in the House of Representatives, but under a different party-list group.
Ako Bicol is currently the most dominant party-list group in the Bicol Region, and twice in the entire country. It won three seats in 2010 and in 2016. It won two seats in 2013, 2019 and 2022. It never once settled for only one seat since it started participating in the party-list elections. Its number one nominee and incumbent representative who is already on his second term is Cong. Zaldy Co (2019-2022, 2022-2025), brother of former three-term Ako Bicol Cong. Christopher Co (2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019).
71% of the party-list votes in Catanduanes was captured by only five party-list groups.
71% of the party-list votes in Catanduanes was captured by only five party-list groups. 50% of these votes went to only two party-list groups, these top two groups getting a 42% vote share (TGP) and 24% vote share (Ako Bicol), respectively.
| PROVINCE | PARTY-LIST | PERCENTAGE OF VOTES | RUNNING TOTAL |
| CATANDUANES | TGP | 42.01 | 42.01 |
| CATANDUANES | AKO BICOL | 20.48 | 62.49 |
| CATANDUANES | BHW | 3.56 | 66.05 |
| CATANDUANES | BICOL SARO | 2.65 | 68.70 |
| CATANDUANES | 4PS | 2.00 | 70.70 |
TGP is represented by incumbent Cong. Bong Teves. Jr. (2019-2022, 2022-2025). He was a former Vice Governor of Catanduanes and former Mayor of the municipality of Baras, Catanduanes.
Ako Bicol is currently the most dominant party-list group in the Bicol Region, and twice in the entire country. It won three seats in 2010 and in 2016. It won two seats in 2013, 2019 and 2022. It never once settled for only one seat since it started participating in the party-list elections. Its number one nominee and incumbent representative who is already on his second term is Cong. Zaldy Co (2019-2022, 2022-2025), brother of former three-term Ako Bicol Cong. Christopher Co (2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019).
71% of the party-list votes in Albay was captured by only seven party-list groups.
71% of the party-list votes in Albay was captured by only seven party-list groups. 50% of these votes went to only two party-list groups, these top two groups getting a 36% vote share (Ako Bicol) and 21% vote share (Ang Probinsyano), respectively.
| PROVINCE | PARTY-LIST | PERCENTAGE OF VOTES | RUNNING TOTAL |
| ALBAY | AKO BICOL | 36.33 | 36.33 |
| ALBAY | ANG PROBINSIYANO | 20.83 | 57.16 |
| ALBAY | BHW | 3.66 | 60.82 |
| ALBAY | AGRI | 2.92 | 63.74 |
| ALBAY | ANGAT PINOY | 2.48 | 66.22 |
| ALBAY | 1-RIDER PARTYLIST | 2.22 | 68.44 |
| ALBAY | PROBINSYANO AKO | 2.11 | 70.55 |
Ako Bicol is currently the most dominant party-list group in the Bicol Region, and twice in the entire country. It won three seats in 2010 and in 2016. It won two seats in 2013, 2019 and 2022. It never once settled for only one seat since it started participating in the party-list elections. Its number one nominee and incumbent representative who is already on his second term is Cong. Zaldy Co (2019-2022, 2022-2025), brother of former three-term Ako Bicol Cong. Christopher Co (2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019).
Ang Probinsyano is represented by incumbent Cong. Apid Delos Santos (2019-2022, 2022-2025). He hails from Legazpi City, Albay, where the headquarters of Ang Probinsyano is located. In addition, Ang Probinsyano is also supported by the husband and wife tandem of Noel and Geraldine Rosal, both former Mayors of Legazpi City, and Noel is also a former Governor of Albay before he was disqualified from office (the case is still pending in the Supreme Court).
68% of the party-list votes in the City of Naga was captured by only nine party-list groups.
68% of the party-list votes in the City of Naga was captured by only nine party-list groups. 50% of these votes went to only four party-list groups, the topnotcher getting a 32% vote share (Ako Bicol).
| PROVINCE | PARTY-LIST | PERCENTAGE OF VOTES | RUNNING TOTAL |
| CITY OF NAGA | AKO BICOL | 31.86 | 31.86 |
| CITY OF NAGA | AGRI | 7.97 | 39.83 |
| CITY OF NAGA | P3PWD | 5.75 | 45.58 |
| CITY OF NAGA | TGP | 5.07 | 50.65 |
| CITY OF NAGA | BUNYOG | 5.01 | 55.66 |
| CITY OF NAGA | KABATAAN | 4.02 | 69.68 |
| CITY OF NAGA | BICOL SARO | 3.73 | 63.41 |
| CITY OF NAGA | ACT-CIS | 2.30 | 65.71 |
| CITY OF NAGA | TINGOG | 2.19 | 67.90 |
Ako Bicol is currently the most dominant party-list group in the Bicol Region, and twice in the entire country. It won three seats in 2010 and in 2016. It won two seats in 2013, 2019 and 2022. It never once settled for only one seat since it started participating in the party-list elections. Its number one nominee and incumbent representative who is already on his second term is Cong. Zaldy Co (2019-2022, 2022-2025), brother of former three-term Ako Bicol Cong. Christopher Co (2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019).
65% of the party-list votes in Camarines Sur was captured by only five party-list groups.
65% of the party-list votes in Camarines Sur was captured by only five party-list groups. 50% of these votes went to only two party-list groups, these top two groups getting a 30% vote share (Bicol Saro) and 25% vote share (Ako Bicol), respectively.
| PROVINCE | PARTY-LIST | PERCENTAGE OF VOTES | RUNNING TOTAL |
| CAMARINES SUR | BICOL SARO | 30.13 | 30.13 |
| CAMARINES SUR | AKO BICOL | 25.36 | 55.49 |
| CAMARINES SUR | AGRI | 4.22 | 59.71 |
| CAMARINES SUR | 1-RIDER PARTYLIST | 3.15 | 62.86 |
| CAMARINES SUR | ACT-CIS | 2.36 | 65.22 |
Bicol Saro is a first-term party-list group (2022-2025) supported by the Villafuerte clan of Camarines Sur which counts the incumbent Governor (Gov. Luigi Villafuerte) and two district representatives (Cong. Lray Villafuerte of the 2nd District and Cong. Migz Villafuerte of the 5th District) among its members currently holding public office. Both Cong. Lray Villafuerte and Cong. Migz. Villafuerte previously served three terms each as Governor of Camarines Sur.
Ako Bicol is currently the most dominant party-list group in the Bicol Region, and twice in the entire country. It won three seats in 2010 and in 2016. It won two seats in 2013, 2019 and 2022. It never once settled for only one seat since it started participating in the party-list elections. Its number one nominee and incumbent representative who is already on his second term is Cong. Zaldy Co (2019-2022, 2022-2025), brother of former three-term Ako Bicol Cong. Christopher Co (2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019).
60% of the party-list votes in Camarines Norte was captured by only nine party-list groups.
60% of the party-list votes in Camarines Norte was captured by only nine party-list groups. 50% of these votes went to only five party-list groups, the topnotcher getting a 35% vote share (Ako Bicol).
| PROVINCE | PARTY-LIST | PERCENTAGE OF VOTES | RUNNING TOTAL |
| CAMARINES NORTE | AKO BICOL | 35.34 | 35.34 |
| CAMARINES NORTE | ACT-CIS | 4.19 | 39.53 |
| CAMARINES NORTE | 4PS | 3.84 | 43.37 |
| CAMARINES NORTE | AKO ILOCANO AKO | 3.57 | 46.94 |
| CAMARINES NORTE | BICOL SARO | 3.26 | 50.20 |
| CAMARINES NORTE | ANG PROBINSIYANO | 2.62 | 52.82 |
| CAMARINES NORTE | 1-CARE | 2.38 | 55.20 |
| CAMARINES NORTE | BHW | 2.35 | 57.55 |
| CAMARINES NORTE | 1-RIDER PARTYLIST | 2.34 | 59.89 |
Ako Bicol is currently the most dominant party-list group in the Bicol Region, and twice in the entire country. It won three seats in 2010 and in 2016. It won two seats in 2013, 2019 and 2022. It never once settled for only one seat since it started participating in the party-list elections. Its number one nominee and incumbent representative who is already on his second term is Cong. Zaldy Co (2019-2022, 2022-2025), brother of former three-term Ako Bicol Cong. Christopher Co (2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019).
56% of the party-list votes in Masbate was captured by only eleven party-list groups.
56% of the party-list votes in Masbate was captured by only eleven party-list groups. 50% of these votes went to only nine party-list groups, the topnotcher getting a 17% vote share (Ako Bicol).
| PROVINCE | PARTY-LIST | PERCENTAGE OF VOTES | RUNNING TOTAL |
| MASBATE | AKO BICOL | 16.86 | 16.86 |
| MASBATE | PINUNO | 6.27 | 23.13 |
| MASBATE | AGIMAT | 6.02 | 29.15 |
| MASBATE | 4PS | 5.89 | 35.04 |
| MASBATE | ACT-CIS | 5.78 | 40.82 |
| MASBATE | TUTOK TO WIN | 3.60 | 44.42 |
| MASBATE | MAGSASAKA | 3.06 | 47.48 |
| MASBATE | SAGIP | 2.45 | 49.93 |
| MASBATE | ANG PROBINSIYANO | 2.17 | 52.10 |
| MASBATE | AGRI | 2.09 | 54.19 |
| MASBATE | MANILA TEACHERS | 2.02 | 56.21 |
Ako Bicol is currently the most dominant party-list group in the Bicol Region, and twice in the entire country. It won three seats in 2010 and in 2016. It won two seats in 2013, 2019 and 2022. It never once settled for only one seat since it started participating in the party-list elections. Its number one nominee and incumbent representative who is already on his second term is Cong. Zaldy Co (2019-2022, 2022-2025), brother of former three-term Ako Bicol Cong. Christopher Co (2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019).
At this point, it is interesting to note that aside from BHW, Ako Bicol, TGP, Ang Probinsyano and Bicol Saro (not in order of ranking), there is another party-list group now on its third term that has garnered a significant portion of the votes in the Bicol Region: AGRI. It placed 2nd in the City of Naga, 3rd in Sorsogon and Camarines Sur, 4th in Albay, and 10th in Masbate. AGRI is currently represented by incumbent Cong. Wilbert Lee. He hails from Sorsogon. AGRI was previously represented by his wife, former Cong. Delph Gan-Lee (2013-2016, 2016-2019).
So, is there space in Bicol for party-list groups that may want to get some votes in its provinces and one independent city? Pretty tight, we say. Less than 3% of the official candidates for the 2022 party-list elections controlled more than half of the votes in almost 90% of its provinces and one independent city.
In the entire Bicol Region, only the province of Masbate may have an opening, but even that peep hole is not going to be easy to go through. This opening only means that the votes taken by all party-list groups who garnered at least 2% of the votes in Masbate did not reach 60% but is still way more than 50%. A mere peep hole it is indeed.
As for the provinces where not a single party-list group got a 20% vote share, it is only Masbate as well. Ako Bicol, the topnotcher, only managed to get a 17% vote share. This vote share can barely be claimed to be a “bailiwick” vote, but of course it is also not insubstantial.
So there. Good luck to all! Let us see what happens in the 2025 party-list election.
