Lakas candidates probable winners in Albay election race — SWS survey

Lakas gubernatorial candidate Joey Salceda. Photo from Salceda Facebool

Lakas party candidates are poised for victory in key races across Albay, based on the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from May 2 to 5, 2025.

In the gubernatorial contest, Lakas stalwart Rep. Joey Salceda has widened his lead, now commanding 49% of voter support.

Salceda, a former Albay governor and incumbent 2nd District representative, is 15 points ahead of PDP–Laban’s Noel Rosal, who polled at 34%. Independent candidate Rosaler Sara Jr. holds just 1%. Based on projected vote counts, Salceda has 465,000 votes, Rosal 317,000, and Sara 7,000.

For vice governor, Lakas candidate Diday Co also holds a commanding lead with 45% or 419,000 projected votes. PDP–Laban’s Jun Alegre follows at 22% (211,000 votes), while independent candidate Te Arandia has 7% (65,000 votes), and WPP’s Gil Goyena trails at 1% (11,000 votes).

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In the congressional races, Lakas candidates continue to expand their margins.

In the 1st District, Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon now leads with 44%, pulling ahead of Liberal Party candidate and Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman, who has 39%. If elections had been held during the survey period, Bongalon would have received 122,000 votes to Lagman’s 108,000.

In the 2nd District, former congressman Kito Co has strengthened his position, rising from 49% to 58% (191,000 votes), while PDP–Laban’s Caloy Loria slipped from 27% to 24%, with an estimated 79,000 votes.

In the 3rd District, Polangui Mayor Adrian Salceda remains ahead with 52% support, or 176,000 votes. He continues to outpace incumbent Rep. Fernando Cabredo (NUP), who stands at 32% with 107,000 votes.

The latest figures affirm the growing momentum of the Lakas slate as Albay’s 2025 local elections approach. /MR