Most incumbent local officials in Bohol are poised to retain their posts in the upcoming May 12, 2025 elections, according to the latest Bohol Poll released by the Holy Name University’s Center for Research and Publications.
Based on the pre-election survey conducted from April 18 to May 4, 2025, involving 200 respondents from Tagbilaran City and the first district, the congressional race in the first district remains the most tightly contested.
Incumbent Atty. Rep. Edgard M. Chatto and former Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap are statistically tied, both garnering 35 percent of the respondents’ support.
Lawyer Jordan Pizarras trails behind with 25 percent, while Marybelle de la Serna received only 1 percent.
With a margin of error of ±7 percent, analysts consider the race wide open.
In the second district, however, the race is less competitive.
Incumbent Rep. Maria Vanessa “Vanvan” Aumentado enjoys an overwhelming lead with 80 percent, compared to challenger Modesto Membreve’s 14 percent.
The third district race shows a similar trend, with incumbent Rep. Kristine Alexie Besas Tutor securing 78 percent, far ahead of Atty. Makdo Castañares, who polled at 17 percent.
At the provincial level, Gov. Aris Aumentado is likely headed for a second term with a commanding 80 percent support.
His challengers Hardy Leopando and former Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim received 3 percent and 10 percent, respectively.
In the vice gubernatorial race, Nick Besas—father of Rep. Tutor—leads with 42 percent.
He is followed by Gerardo Garcia with 29 percent and Santos Abella with 12 percent.
The contest for Provincial Board Members in the first district shows incumbents Benjie Arcamo (47 percent) and Lucille Lagunay (46 percent) in a close race.
Other hopefuls include Doc. Mutya Tirol (37 percent), Goldie Herrera (32 percent), Jonas Cacho (28 percent), Aldner Damalerio (27 percent), Willy Ramasola (18 percent), and Rey Loquere (5 percent). The margin of error for this race is ±7 percent.
In the second district, top board member bets are led by incumbent Atty. Jamie Villamor with 68 percent, followed by Atty. Tommy Abapo (58 percent), Frans Garcia (41 percent), Mimi Boniel (35 percent), and Fernando Estavilla (34 percent).
Third district incumbent board members under Gov. Aumentado’s Team Abante are leading: Tita Baja (67 percent), Greg Jala (58 percent), DJ Balite (51 percent), and Nathaniel Binlod (45 percent).
Other candidates trail significantly: Dominic Villafuerte (22 percent), Elpidio Bonita (21 percent), Lilit Abundo (19 percent), Along Olandria (15 percent), and Rene Espinoza (8 percent).
In the capital city, incumbent Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap is ahead with 64 percent, compared to Councilor Atoy Torralba’s 31 percent.
For vice mayor, VM Adam Jala holds a strong lead with 62 percent, followed by Geneson Balbin (17 percent) and Jose Antonio Veloso (15 percent).
The Bohol Poll 2025 results suggest that while most incumbents remain in strong positions, key races, particularly in the first congressional district, could still shift as the election day draws near.