Salceda mulls Senate bid

By Manuel T. Ugalde

LEGAZPI CITY — Albay Rep. Joey Salceda is reportedly eyeing a Senate run in 2028, even as the Supreme Court has yet to decide on the disqualification case against Governor-elect Noel Rosal.

A source familiar with local political discussions said Salceda’s plans remain open regardless of the high court’s ruling. If the disqualification is upheld, Salceda, who ran for governor in the 2025 elections, could assume the post.

Rosal won the May 2025 election by over 9,000 votes, even as his name was initially excluded from the ballot following an Ombudsman ruling. The Supreme Court later allowed his inclusion, pending final judgment.

The cases raised against Rosal stemmed from acts during his previous term, but his camp remains confident that the high court will respect the will of the voters.

Salceda, a long-time public servant who served as congressman and governor, is also being encouraged by allies to seek a national post. Both he and Rosal were instrumental in pushing for reforms such as the privatization of the Albay Electric Cooperative.