The 2025 Eastern Samar local elections were held on May 12 alongside the 2025 Philippine general election. The gubernatorial, vice-gubernatorial, congressional, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and all mayoral and vice-mayoral posts were elected. Neither Ben Evardone nor Marcelino Libanan, the original candidates endorsed by Martin Romualdez, ran. Two predominant teams were formed: the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) candidates and the Abunda alliance. RV Evardone was elected governor, Maricar Sison was elected vice governor, and Sheen Gonzales was elected congressman. Notable results included the youngest governor in Eastern Visayas history (Evardone) and the election of all 10 PFP candidates in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Background and candidates Running as a candidate of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), Ben Evardone defeated Petronilo Abuyen Jr., who ran as a candidate for the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), and the independent Bishop Hobayan in the 2022 elections. His running mate Maricar Sison won under PDP against Dindo Picardal of Aksyon Demokratiko, Dado Picardal Jr. of Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan, and Jesse Solidon of PFP. Nine PDP candidates won in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan elections, with the exception of Nestonette Cablao of Aksyon. Maria Fe Abunda won as congresswoman under PDP, beating independent candidate Febida Padel.
On May 1, Evardone switched from PDP-Laban to PFP, the party of President Bongbong Marcos. On August 8, 2024, 58 delegates visited the house of House Speaker Martin Romualdez to ask for their support of Governor Ben Evardone and Congressman Marcelino Libanan's tandem for the upcoming 2025 elections. The delegates included Vice Governor Maricar Goteesan, 13 board members, 19 mayors, and 19 barangay captains. They gave Romualdez a copy of their manifesto to support the duo. Libanan said, "We—Governor Evardone and I—are determined to combine our efforts so that we can improve in a big way the living standards, social conditions, and economic opportunities for individuals and communities in Eastern Samar". Because of this, the duo was named the "Power Duo" by the website Politiko.
On October 1, Libanan withdrew his campaign to support his opposition, Maria Fe Abunda's campaign. On October 8, 19 out of the 23 municipal mayors convinced former Vice Governor Sheen Gonzales to run against incumbent Maria Fe Abunda. Nine days later, Evardone resigned his candidacy to serve as a volunteer for the senatorial team of the PFP, his party. He was replaced by his son, Ralph. Three-term Quinapondan mayor Raffy Asebias decided to run for governor. Neil Camenforte also decided to run against incumbent Vice Governor Maricar Sison.
The PFP fielded Ralph Evardone for governor, Maricar Sison for vice governor, and Sheen Gonzales for congressman. Abunda's alliance consisted of Camenforte for vice governor and her for congresswoman, failing to field a gubernatorial bet. Raffy Asebias ran for governor and Arnold Azura ran for congressman, both without teams.
Campaign Mock elections were held on January 25 in two select locations in Eastern Samar to simulate the election. The campaign period for congress, provincial, city, and municipal officials started on March 28. Ben Evardone endorsed Kiko Pangilinan for Senator on April 25, posing with the Kiko sign during his visit at the provincial capitol. That same day, two candidates from Eastern Samar, Abunda and councilor candidate Rex Docena, were issued show cause orders, requiring an explanation on vote-buying allegations against them. On April 30, vice mayoral candidate Noel Montallana was told by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to explain his remarks in a campaign event on April 23 that may have violated its resolution against discrimination in campaigning. His remarks, according to COMELEC, were "on women and persons with disabilities," adding that "this RV (Evardone) was born at only seven months [...] look at his face in his tarpaulin."
Ballot delivery to Eastern Visayas commenced on May 2. On May 6, an opinion piece released by Charlie V. Manalo of The Manila Times said that the Ombudsman should focus on launching an investigation on Asebias, adding that in one of his rallies, Asebias allegedly said that he did not hesitate to accept money from contractors if the money was given voluntarily. On May 7, an Eastern Visayas unity rally took place for the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate, organized by the Lakas-CMD and Tingog parties. Two Eastern Samar lawmakers, Maria Fe Abunda and Ben Evardone, were invited. On May 10, two days before the election day, the campaign period ended.
Gubernatorial and vice-gubernatorial results
Gubernatorial elections Incumbent Quinapondan mayor Raffy Asebias ran against Board Member and Governor Ben Evardone's son RV Evardone.
Vice Gubernatorial elections Incumbent Vice Governor Maricar Sison ran against Neil Camenforte.
Congressional results Incumbent Congresswoman Maria Fe Abunda ran against Former Vice Governor Sheen Gonzales and Arnold Azura.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan results
1st district Five board members are elected from Eastern Samar's 1st provincial district and eight candidates were included in the ballot.
2nd district Five board members are elected from Eastern Samar's 2nd provincial district and nine candidates were included in the ballot.
City and municipal results Arteche
Balangiga
Balangkayan
Borongan City
Can-avid
Dolores
General MacArthur
Giporlos
Guiuan
Hernani
Jipapad
Lawaan
Llorente
Maslog
Maydolong
Mercedes
Oras
Quinapondan
Salcedo
San Julian
San Policarpo
Sulat
Taft
Aftermath Ralph Evardone won the gubernatorial race, becoming the youngest governor in Eastern Visayas history at the age of 25. Evardone vowed to focus on agricultural modernization as a vital sector in Eastern Samar. In a farewell speech during Ralph's inauguration, Ben Evardone thanked the citizens of Eastern Samar for supporting him and his 21-year political career. Sheen Gonzales unseated former congresswoman Maria Fe Abunda, who was seeking a third term, from her seat in Congress. His victory was supported by most local incumbent mayors. In a Facebook post, Abunda thanked her supporters, adding, "It may not be the results we wanted, but our service continues." In his tenure, Evardone tackled the inconsistent power supply in the province through fast-tracking a Renewable Energy Code. He also made numerous changes related to agriculture, such as utilizing mechanization for farmers, crop diversification initiatives, and the creation of value-added facilities. During Sheen Gonzales' first few months as congressman, he aimed to bridge education gaps in remote areas and called for a congressional probe on mining in Homonhon.
See also 2025 Philippine House of Representatives elections in Eastern Visayas 2025 Philippine local elections in Eastern Visayas
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