Political upheaval in Albay after 2022 polls

By Manly M. Ugalde

THE politically tumultuous province of Albay has seen three governors and three Legazpi City mayors in barely two years since the May 2022 elections, based on gathered reports.

The most recent appointments include former Ako Bicol Party-list congressman Alfredo Garbin as mayor of Legazpi City and Vice Governor Glenda Bongao as provincial governor. Bongao assumed office in early September 2024, while Garbin was proclaimed the duly elected mayor on November 11, 2024, by a Supreme Court resolution.

Albay’s political upheaval traces back to the 2022 elections, which led to the disqualification of elected Governor Noel Rosal and his wife, Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal. Gov. Rosal had served as Legazpi mayor for 18 years (six terms), alternating with Geraldine, who even appointed him city administrator during her first term.

The Rosal couple faced disqualification after allegations of violating election laws. The Supreme Court’s final ruling stripped them of their respective posts. In November 2022, Vice Governor Grex Lagman succeeded Noel Rosal as governor by operation of law.

However, Lagman was suspended for six months by the Ombudsman in August 2024 due to allegations of receiving jueteng money during his tenure as vice governor. The case was reportedly filed by a supporter of former Gov. Al Francis Bichara, whom Lagman had clashed with over control of the Mayon Quarry operations.

Despite their disqualifications, both Rosal and Lagman are running for governor, as no court ruling has barred them from seeking office.

Political observers noted that the 2022 elections in Albay were heavily influenced by money. A family of six voters in Legazpi reportedly received a total of ₱72,000 in payouts.

Garbin’s appointment as mayor stems from a Supreme Court resolution declaring him the duly elected mayor in the 2022 elections. Bongao’s ascension as governor, meanwhile, followed a Comelec resolution recognizing her as the top-elected provincial board member, qualifying her to assume the post.

Garbin replaced Mayor Bobby Cristobal, who had been appointed by the Comelec in August 2024 to succeed the disqualified Geraldine Rosal. Cristobal had originally been elected vice mayor alongside Geraldine in 2022.

The political and judicial crises in Albay began when former governor Rosal initiated an investigation into the controversial Mayor Quarry operations, a major income source for the province, and the failed flood control projects in Legazpi worth billions.

The Rosals were found to have violated the Omnibus Election Code by distributing P3,000 in cash aid to senior citizens and tricycle drivers in Legazpi City during the election ban period in 2022. This led to their disqualification by the Comelec, with Noel Rosal losing his governorship in 2022, followed by Geraldine’s removal as mayor two months later.