SAME LEADERS. The Samar provincial capitol in Catbalogan City, Samar. More members of political families won in this year's elections.(Photo courtesy of Heritage Conservation Society) TACLOBAN CITY - This year's elections saw more members of political families in Samar province beating their opponents. For the Tan family, the number of their clan members holding elective posts has doubled. Incumbent 2nd district Rep. Sharee Ann Tan succeeded in her attempt to swap posts with his younger brother, Reynolds Michael, the current governor. This is Sharee Ann's return to the provincial government after serving as governor from 2010 to 2019. She defeated Gemma Zosa, the outgoing mayor of Santa Margarita town. Their uncle, Arnold Tan, will be the new vice governor of the province after defeating Board Member Alma Uy. In Samar's 1st District, this is the first time for the Tan family to win in the congressional race after failed attempts in past elections. Sharee Ann's young
INTEGRITY PLEDGE. Samar First District Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento signs an integrity pledge for peaceful elections in the province on Tuesday (March 29, 2022). The signing is an expression of commitment to attain secured, accurate, free, and fair elections this year.(Photo courtesy of DJ Rene Castino) TACLOBAN CITY - Candidates in Samar province have signed an integrity pledge on Tuesday expressing their commitment to attaining secured, accurate, free, and fair elections this year. Key officials witnessed the signing of a peace pact at the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division headquarters in Catbalogan City, Samar. Specifically, local politicians committed not to resort to vote-buying, violence, misinformation, and cyber-attacks. They also pledged to follow minimum public health standards during rallies. Present during the event were National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino, Philippine Nationa
Three supporters of a candidate for mayor in Sta. Margarita, Samar were killed while another was wounded in an ambush in Barangay Roxas yesterday morning.