As the 2025 midterm local and national elections approach, many candidates face tough competition, yet some are running unopposed for their desired posts. According to data from GMA Integrated News Research, a total of 1,068 candidates have no challengers. This makes up 2.58% of the 41,342 candidates vying for local positions nationwide.
Candidates Running Unopposed in the National Capital Region
In Metro Manila, several key figures are running unopposed, ensuring their likely victory once votes are counted. Here’s a breakdown of the candidates running unopposed in the National Capital Region:
Caloocan
Dean Asistio of Lakas is the sole candidate for 3rd District Representative.
Mandaluyong
Menchie Abalos (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) is running unopposed for mayor. Likewise, Anthony Suva (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas) aims to keep his seat as vice mayor without opposition. Queenie Gonzales from NUP stands unchallenged for the district representative post.
Muntinlupa
Ruffy Biazon of One Muntinlupa is the only candidate for mayor.
Navotas
John Rey Tiangco (Partido Navoteño) is running unopposed for mayor, while Kap Tito Sanchez from the same party is the sole candidate for vice mayor.
Parañaque
Eric Olivarez of Lakas is the lone candidate for the 1st District Representative seat.
Quezon City
Marivic Co-Pilar of NUP stands unopposed for the 6th District Representative position.
Valenzuela
Wes Gatchalian of the Nationalist People’s Coalition is running unopposed for mayor.
Other Notable Candidates Running Unopposed
Outside Metro Manila, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is the only candidate for the 2nd District Representative of Pampanga. If she wins, it will be her second consecutive term since returning to Congress in 2022. Similarly, reelectionist Lani Mercado-Revilla is running unopposed for the 2nd District Representative of Cavite.
Are They Automatic Winners?
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman clarified that candidates running unopposed are not automatically declared winners. They still need to secure at least one vote to officially win their position.
“Dapat po may boto makuha kahit isa,” he said, meaning even a single vote is necessary. Otherwise, the post will be declared vacant if they fail to get any votes.
With many candidates running unchallenged, the upcoming elections still promise excitement, as voters have the power to decide even in uncontested races.