Former state university president is new Catanduanes governor

Former Catanduanes State University president Patrick Alain Azanza poses for a photo with his supporters on May 3, 2025. — Photo from Patrick Azanza/Facebook

LEGAZPI CITY – A former president of Catanduanes State University was proclaimed governor on Tuesday, May 13, ending nearly two decades of political dynasty rule in the province.

Patrick Alain Azanza got 76,169 votes, holding a slim lead over his close rival, Peter “Boss Te” Cua, the incumbent vice governor, who received 75,807 votes.

The 56-year-old educator left his position as the seventh president of the university when he filed his candidacy for governor in 2024, marking his first venture into politics.

READ: INQUIRER.net’s 2025 Philippine Elections Results

In an interview after his proclamation, Azanza said he had no political machinery, but the people strategized for him.

“This is for the people of Catanduanes. Really, we are very happy that the province is finally free — free from monopoly, free from dynasty and free from suffering,” he said.

Cua’s brother, incumbent Governor Joseph Cua, also lost the mayoral race in Virac town, receiving only 14,854 votes — falling behind Posoy Sarmiento, who garnered 22,364 votes.

Joseph’s son, Chino, lost his bid for a seat in Virac’s town council. /das