Political infighting threatens Albay’s growth — political scientist

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- Prolonged political infighting in Albay could undermine investor confidence and hamper economic growth, a retired political science professor has warned, citing the importance of political stability, predictability and strong institutions in sustaining business activity.

Retired Prof. Jess Barizo, a political scientist and long-time political science professor at the University of Santo Tomas–Legazpi, said persistent political rivalries could have serious consequences for the province’s economy, particularly in Legazpi City, the regional center and the seat of several national government offices.

Asked about the implications of the continuing political disputes, Barizo said businesses and markets thrive in an environment characterized by stability, predictability and strong institutions.

“It has a severe economic impact on the local economy. Businesses and markets thrive on stability, predictability and strong institutions. Strong political economy suggests synergy among political leaders,” he said.

Barizo also challenged younger politicians to decide whether to perpetuate the traditional system of political patronage or pursue more transparent and stable local governance.

“The old political elite has disrupted the political landscape in the local scene. With these young politicians, they may choose to continue the old political patronage system or step up to build more transparent and stable local governance,” he said.

Political alliances unravel

Albay’s political landscape underwent a major realignment in the run-up to the 2022 elections, when longstanding alliances among influential political figures broke down and rival camps emerged.

The dispute involved Gov. Noel E. Rosal and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr., whose political relationship dates back to Rosal’s earlier years in local politics.

Rosal previously introduced and supported Garbin in local political circles. According to the account provided, Rosal also recommended Garbin as a nominee of Ako Bicol after declining an opportunity to join the party-list himself, preferring to remain in local politics.

Rosal’s relationship with former Ako Bicol founder and lawmaker Elizaldy S. Co likewise deteriorated over time. The two families had longstanding ties, with Rosal’s father, the late engineer Eleuterio “Nonong” Yuson Rosal Jr., a former Department of Public Works and Highways regional office division chief, having been a close friend of the late businessman Delfin Co, Elizaldy Co’s father.

The breakdown of these relationships contributed to the formation of opposing political alliances ahead of the 2022 elections.

Former Albay governor and lawmaker Joey Salceda, former governor and lawmaker Al Francis Bichara, Co and Garbin were identified with the political bloc that opposed Rosal’s camp.

Rosal, meanwhile, received support from former Albay governor and third-district representative Fernando V. Gonzalez, who later became mayor of Ligao City.

Camps clash in elections

The political contest culminated in the May 2022 elections, when Rosal challenged Bichara, who was seeking another term as governor.

Rosal defeated Bichara in the gubernatorial race. In the Legazpi City mayoral contest, Rosal’s wife, Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal, defeated Garbin.

However, the Rosals’ electoral victories were followed by election-related legal proceedings stemming from allegations that government funds had been released in violation of election rules.

Joseph Armogilla, a tricycle driver who ran for city councilor under Garbin’s political ticket in 2022, filed separate disqualification petitions before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on April 11, 2022.

One petition sought to disqualify Geraldine Rosal, who was then running for mayor of Legazpi City. The other challenged Noel Rosal’s candidacy for governor.

Both petitions alleged violations of Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code, or Batas Pambansa Blg. 881.

The Rosals were subsequently removed from their respective posts following election-related rulings. However, the criminal proceedings arising from the controversy followed a separate legal process.

Courts dismiss criminal cases

In a July 23, 2026 decision, Regional Trial Court Branch 2 Presiding Judge Arnel P. Cezar dismissed a criminal case against Geraldine Rosal involving an alleged violation of Section 261(v)(2) of the Omnibus Election Code.

The court granted Rosal’s motion for reconsideration, reversing its May 14, 2026 resolution that had denied her motion to quash the case.

The court found that the prolonged delay in the filing and progression of the criminal proceedings violated her constitutional rights to due process and the speedy disposition of cases.

It noted that the key facts and evidence involved had long been in the possession of the Comelec following the filing of the disqualification petitions in April 2022.

“Wherefore, premises considered, the motion for reconsideration is granted. Accordingly, the resolution dated May 14, 2026 denying the motion to quash is hereby reconsidered and set aside,” the court stated.

The court subsequently ordered the information filed against Geraldine Rosal on October 9, 2025, quashed and the criminal case dismissed.

In a separate ruling, the Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Santa Cruz, Laguna, also dismissed an election-offense case against Noel Rosal.

In a decision dated Aug. 7, 2026, Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong granted Rosal’s motion for reconsideration and reversed the court’s May 7, 2026 ruling denying his motion to quash.

The court found that the substantial and unexplained delay in the proceedings, the prosecution’s failure to justify the delay, and Rosal’s timely assertion of his constitutional right warranted dismissal.

The case stemmed from allegations that Rosal, then mayor of Legazpi City, had released financial assistance to tricycle drivers and senior citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic while an election-period prohibition on the release of public funds was in effect.

The Comelec had alleged that the assistance was distributed without the necessary exemption from the election-related restrictions.

Rosal maintained his right to the speedy disposition of the case, which the court ultimately upheld.

The constitutional guarantee is provided under Section 16, Article III of the 1987 Constitution, which protects the right of persons to the speedy disposition of cases before judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative bodies.

The dismissals of the criminal cases, however, should be distinguished from the earlier election-related rulings that resulted in the Rosals’ removal from office. The legal effect of each ruling depends on the specific case and the relief granted by the court.

For Barizo, the continuing political divisions in Albay underscore the need for a new generation of leaders to prioritize institutional stability and transparent governance over traditional political rivalries.

His assessment raises a broader question for the province: whether its political leaders can establish a more predictable governance environment that supports businesses, attracts investment and sustains long-term economic development.