BACOLOD CITY – A total of 20 candidates in key positions across Negros Occidental are running unopposed in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, according to records from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office. Uncontested races ensure victory for the lone candidate, who only needs at least one vote to secure the seat.
According to Philippines News Agency, the first district includes incumbent board member Araceli Somosa and Don Salvador Benedicto mayor Laurence Marxlen dela Cruz, both of whom are assured of seats on the Provincial Board. Reelectionist mayor Renato Gustilo of San Carlos City and councilor Richard Jaojoco of Toboso, who is set to become the town’s mayor after his wife, Madonnah Jaojoco, steps down, are also unopposed.
Vice mayors Christopher Paul Carmona of San Carlos City, Florendo Dinapo of Calatrava, and Maria Luisa dela Cruz of Toboso are unchallenged in their reelection bids. Former councilor Jugin Jewel Bandolon is the lone candidate for vice mayor in Don Salvador Benedicto. In the second district, Rep. Alfredo Marañon III is running for a second term without opposition, while his brother, Sagay City councilor Arthur Christopher Marañon, and incumbent board member Sixto Pal Guanzon are also unopposed for the two seats on the Provincial Board.
Reelectionist Cadiz City mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. and his running mate for vice mayor, nephew John Vincent Escalante, face no challengers. Sagay City vice mayor Leo Rafael Cueva is also running unopposed for mayor. Victorias City vice mayor Abelardo Bantug II, in the third district, is unchallenged for mayor, as are reelectionists mayor Jose Maria Alonso of Pontevedra and vice mayor Anthony Gerard Suatengco of Pulupandan in the fourth district. In the sixth district, reelectionist mayor John Paul Alvarez and his son, John Paulo, who is running for vice mayor, are both unopposed, along with Sipalay City vice mayoral candidate Oscar Montilla.