Debate on Political Leadership in Albay Sparks Mixed Reactions

Legazpi City, Albay – Ongoing debates about political leadership in Albay ahead of the 2025 national and local elections continue to draw mixed reactions from residents, reflecting a blend of doubt, hope, and concern about the province’s political future.

The conversation was sparked by a post shared on March 30, 2025, profiling key political dynasties in Albay. The post quickly gained attention, fueling discussions about entrenched family rivalries and the relevance of traditional versus emerging political leaders.

While some Albayanos question the need for conventional leadership, others emphasize the importance of experience.

Spotlight on Rosal and Salceda

This year’s gubernatorial race has focused the spotlight on former Governor Noel Rosal and current Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda, both prominent figures vying for the province’s top seat.

Perspectives on Political Dynasties

Political dynasties remain a controversial issue. Some Albayanos have voiced frustration over the repeated candidacy of the same families, while others are torn between wanting change and valuing experience.

“If Albayanos choose to stick with traditional leaders, what new initiatives can these veteran politicians offer?” wrote Eylah Sheelah in a comment on the post.

She added, “If they opt for new leadership, what fresh perspectives and solutions can these rising politicians bring to the table?”

Others expressed skepticism about whether leadership changes actually lead to progress. One resident commented: “Parehas man lang yan, hangga’t dai yan nagkakaparalitan, iyong-iyo man giraray ang magiging kapalaran kan Albay.”

Translation: “It’s just the same, as long as it doesn’t change, that’s the fate of Albay.”

Jovan Diaz, a student from Southern Luzon Technological Foundation Incorporated (SLTCFI), shared his thoughts in an interview: “Yung political dynasty, hindi ako pabor diyan kasi yung pangalan kasi parang paulit-ulit na naririnig diba. Dapat kailangan kasi pabago-bago naman na leader.”

Translation: “I’m not in favor of political dynasties because we keep hearing the same names over and over again. We need leadership changes.”

He added that voters should prioritize candidates with “credentials, transparency, and good governance,” though he admitted, “popularity often outweighs qualifications, so many people vote for well-known figures rather than those with solid credentials.”

Fellow student Jhaezy Bahoy echoed similar frustrations: “Kung political dynasty kasi is paulit-ulit na lang sila tumatakbo, kung same lang din yung gagawin nila, paulit-ulit lang, dapat na palitan po kasi we need changes na magdadala talaga sa atin ng pagbabago, hindi yung pare-pareho lang, wala naman pagbabago.”

Translation: “If these politicians keep running and doing the same things, nothing will change. We need leaders who will truly bring progress.”

He emphasized voting based on capability rather than name recognition, but he also acknowledged that lesser-known candidates face steep odds due to how popularity influences voter behavior.

Tricia Fetalcorin, a student from STI, weighed in on the normalization of political hierarchies:
“Hindi na po siya sa’tin bago, kumbaga ginagawa na lang nila, yung mga politika ngayon is parang nagiging business na lang yung pag-lead or pagiging leader. Nagiging money center.”

Translation: “It’s not new to us anymore. Politics is turning into a business rather than a duty to serve—it’s becoming a money-centered system.”

She stressed the need for transparency, saying: “Receipts should be shown, and this should be the core vision of any candidate running for office.” When asked if non-dynastic candidates had a fair chance, she replied it was “50/50”, noting the significant influence of social media among younger voters.

Meanwhile, Jerome Retslov expressed his hopes for ordinary citizens to enter politics: “Right now, it feels like ‘out with the old, in with the new’ might be our best bet. Maybe the next leader won’t take as much as those before them.”

Still, some residents believe that established families bring a level of experience and continuity that newer candidates may lack—though whether this translates into effective governance remains up for debate.

Governance Concerns: Power Supply in Focus

Beyond family rivalries, issues like Albay’s ongoing electricity problems are key concerns for many voters.

Leira Belen, a local resident, pointed out how past administrations have varied in addressing the province’s energy needs: “During Joey Salceda’s term, there was little visible effort to improve power supply, and the APEC takeover caused electricity rates to skyrocket. Meanwhile, Noel Rosal showed willingness to listen to consumers, leading to the temporary return of ALECO’s power services. But since he was removed from office, we don’t know what his next steps would have been.”

Belen suggested implementing a national Electric Power Autonomy project to secure sufficient supply and reduce costs: “If we improve our electricity supply, it will be much easier to promote tourism and businesses in Albay.”

Views on Rosal’s Controversies

As the rivalry heats up, discussions have also touched on allegations against Noel Rosal, particularly concerning quarrying operations.

But recent developments have helped clarify the situation. Atty. Claro C. De Castro, Jr. of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) told BicolDotPH: “Sa na-file namin na kaso, hindi naman siya kasama. The case is already in the prosecutor’s office ng Legazpi. Hindi naman kasama si Former Governor. We’ll just wait, kasi nirecommend lang naman namin yan so kung ano man ang magiging resulta, ‘yun na lang siguro.”

Translation: “He’s not included in the case we filed. It’s now with the Legazpi prosecutor’s office. We’ll wait for the results.”

This aligns with the view of some residents. Diaz said: “Ang nakita ko lang is hindi naman totally si Rosal, parang ‘di yung magkakaso, may minention dun na pangalan na hindi nabanggit si Rosal.”

Translation: “From what I’ve seen, it wasn’t directly about Rosal. There was another name mentioned, not his.”

Sarah Aguilar, a student, reflected on public opinion: “From the beginning, ang dami nang usap-usapan na parang palabas yun ng kalaban. Sa tingin ko rin naman, hindi na nagiging patas e.”

Translation: “From the start, there were already talks that it was a ploy by political opponents. I also feel like the treatment he received wasn’t fair.”

She added: “I think one opinion won’t speak for what the public believes in. Makikita na lang yun sa kung sinong mananalo, kung walang dayaan na magaganap.”

Translation: “One opinion can’t define what the people truly think. We’ll see the real answer in the results, if the elections are fair.”

Bahoy emphasized the need for an impartial investigation: “Hindi po ako Rosal, hindi rin po ako Salceda, like dapat po talaga imbestigahan po ng upper legislative… kasi kung dito lang po ‘yan iimbestigahan… pwedeng may mangyari diyan na lutuan or ‘di po talaga magagawan ng solusyon.”

Translation: “I’m not siding with Rosal or Salceda, but this issue should be investigated at a higher legislative level… if it stays within the province, there’s a risk it won’t be resolved fairly.”

Fetalcorin shared her family’s observations during Rosal’s previous term: “Actually po nung nag run si Rosal is hindi pa po ako nun voter. But sa family po namin naririnig ko na siya. Yung naririnig ko po nun sa family ko ay may natutulong din po siya, at the same time may mga nababato rin sa kanya. Hindi naman po yun nawawala pag sa politics, na pag nakaka angat ka, dun po lumalabas yung mga issue.”

Translation: “I’ve heard that he has helped people, but at the same time, there are issues being thrown at him. That’s part of politics—when you rise, controversies follow.”

Voter Priorities

Residents also shared what they’re looking for in leaders. Aguilar highlighted the importance of platforms over family names: “Wala naman maambag yung pangalan sa politika, syempre titingnan din natin kung yung plataporma ba nila para sa ikabubuti ng mga nasasakupan nila.”

Translation: “A name alone doesn’t contribute to politics. We need to assess whether their platform genuinely aims to improve the lives of their constituents.”

She also emphasized that leadership should be felt beyond the campaign season, down to the community level.

In a province where opinions remain sharply divided, the debate over political leadership in Albay is more than just about personalities—it’s about pressing local issues, governance, and a growing desire for meaningful change. As the 2025 elections approach, Albayanos hold the power to decide whether to continue with familiar faces or take a chance on new leadership. The challenge for every candidate is clear: prove that they can lead with competence, vision, and integrity.I Kyla Literal, Jeric Lopez