“I’m the best man to beat!” – Lagman
By Rhaydz B. Barcia
“I’m the best man to beat,” declared Albay Governor Edcel “Grex” B. Lagman after filing his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections provincial office at 5:00 PM on Wednesday.
Dressed in a green t-shirt and joined by his sister, Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman, along with political allies and supporters, Governor Lagman officially entered the gubernatorial race in Albay.
The event was lively, featuring throngs of drummers performing under the century-old acacia tree at the provincial capitol annex, where the provincial Comelec office is located.
With Lagman’s filing, the May 2025 local elections in Albay are shaping up to be a highly competitive political contest for the gubernatorial seat.
Lagman, who serves as the provincial chairman of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), will face formidable opponents, including powerful Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda of the second district, considered a well-oiled candidate for the governorship, and ousted governor Noel Rosal, known as the “people’s hero.”
Salceda’s candidacy is supported by Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy S. Co, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. In contrast, ousted governor Rosal’s campaign relies on grassroots support rather than financial machinery. Compared to Rosal, both Lagman and Salceda possess significant logistical resources.
Lagman emphasized that his campaign represents the fight for all Albayanos across the province’s 721 barangays.
“I’m the best man to beat. I am the best choice; we know how to secure funds directly from the national government. I will continue to serve the Albayanos and fulfill my duties as governor. Over my two years in office, I have demonstrated remarkable leadership,” Lagman told reporters after filing his COC.
He pledged to pursue programs that would benefit the welfare of the Albayanos, stating, “I will focus on providing solutions for electricity and strengthening agriculture. This is my fight and the fight of the Albayanos.”
Lagman committed to implementing numerous programs for sustainable development, particularly in agriculture, while addressing the province’s power issues. He also challenged his opponents to engage in a public debate to help voters choose the best candidate for the top post in the province.
When asked by The Manila Times about his plans for climate change and controversial quarry operations, Lagman revealed that Albay secured P84 billion in pledges for 1,250 MW of renewable energy projects during the recent Albay Renewable Energy and Investment Summit.
“There are already P84 billion worth of pledges from attendees of the first Albay Renewable Energy and Investment Summit to invest in renewable energy through solar and wind farms. This will definitely lower electricity prices in Albay. Investors from the UK, Germany, China, and various private corporations are interested in supporting alternative renewable energy to resolve daily brownouts and power outages in the province,” Lagman stated.
He highlighted the summit as a long-term solution to the high energy costs and frequent power interruptions in the province, aiming to reduce carbon footprints in the atmosphere.
Lagman noted that the renewable energy sources from solar and wind farms would provide clean and sustainable power, addressing ongoing blackouts in the province.
He reported that at least six investors pledged a total of P84 billion for off-grid solar and wind energy projects, including a 200 MW solar farm in Pio Duran from AltEnergy Corporation and a 20 MW solar project in San Miguel by Mantex Services.
For wind energy, SPIC China Corporation pledged a 100 MW project in the Albay Gulf (Legazpi City), while Power Energy Corporation is eyeing a 50-60 MW project in Pio Duran. Similarly, Energy China and Santa Clara International expressed interest in advancing wind energy projects in the province.
“We have two geothermal fields, but the supply is insufficient, so we are sourcing power through Masinloc, which is coal-based. With new investments in renewable energy through wind and solar farms, Albay is leading the Philippines’ shift towards sustainability, moving away from coal and fossil fuels,” he told The Manila Times.
Lagman stressed the importance of long-term solutions to address high energy costs and frequent power outages in the province. He also indicated that the new investments would boost tourism and create job opportunities as local and international corporations pledge investments in renewable energy.
Earlier, Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor from the Embassy of the United Kingdom in the Philippines, who attended the energy summit, expressed strong support for Albay’s offshore wind project collaboration.

GOVERNOR Edcel Grex Lagman (5th from left) filed his certificate of candidacy for the gubernatorial post on Wednesday at 5:00 PM under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).
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