EASTERN VISAYAS LAWMAKERS SCORE HIGH IN TRUST, PERFORMANCE, AND REPRESENTATION

By evmwb

TACLOBAN CITY– Lawmakers from Eastern Visayas continue to earn strong public approval for their performance, representation, and engagement with constituents, according to the latest independent “Boses ng Bayan” survey by RPMD Foundation Inc.

The poll, conducted April 1-8, 2026, surveyed 5,000 respondents across the region through proportional stratified random sampling. It carries a ±1% margin of error at a 95% confidence level.

The survey measured public sentiment through Trust Ratings and Performance Ratings, which were combined into the RPMD Index of Governance. RPMD considers 55% a passing score, while ratings above 70% indicate very strong voter confidence.

Top Performers:

Statistically tied for the highest Index of Governance scores are three House members:  

1. Rep.Lolita Javier, Leyte 2nd District* – 86.2% IOG, 85.6% trust, 86.8% performance  

2. Cong. Coco Yap, Southern Leyte 2nd District – 85.6% IOG, 85.4% trust, 85.8% performance  

3. Cong. Gerryboy Espina, Biliran Lone District– 85.3% IOG, 85.1% trust, 85.5% performance  

RPMD said their ratings reflect sustained public confidence in leadership, accessibility, responsiveness, and effective representation.

Sharing the next highest rank:  

1. House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Leyte 1st District– 84.0% IOG, 83.4% trust, 84.7% performance  .

2. Cong. Roger Mercado, Southern Leyte 1st District– 83.8% IOG, 83.2% trust, 84.5% performance  

3. Cong. Richard Gomez, Leyte 4th District* – 83.4% IOG, 83.1% trust, 83.8% performance  

Their scores, RPMD noted, show continued voter appreciation for experience, active district engagement, and consistent public service.

Other High Scorers:

Cong. Michael Tan, Samar 2nd District* ranked third with 82.9% IOG, 82.5% trust, 83.4% performance.  

Cong. Niko Daza, Northern Samar 1st District and Cong. Nicolas Cari, Leyte 5th District  tied for fourth with 81.6% and 81.1% IOG respectively.  

Cong. Jimboy Tan, Samar 1st District* placed fifth at 78.7% IOG.  

Cong. Anna Tuazon, Leyte 3rd District* ranked sixth with 76.9% IOG.  

Cong. Sheen Gonzales, Eastern Samar Lone District was seventh at 74.6% IOG.  

Cong. Edwin Ongchuan, Northern Samar 2nd District completed the list at 72.0% IOG, still well above RPMD’s passing mark.

What Voters Value

The Performance Rating was based on three areas: district representation, legislative performance, and constituent service. Combined with Trust Ratings, RPMD said the data gives a full picture of how voters assess effectiveness and responsiveness.

Eastern Visayas voters continue to value leaders who remain visible, accessible, and responsive to their communities’ needs,”_ said Dr. Paul S. Martinez, RPMD Executive Director and Global Affairs and Political Analyst.

He added that while trust is vital, performance ultimately depends on how well representatives fulfill legislative duties, defend district interests, and deliver services. The results, he said, show a growing preference for leaders who combine governance with active community engagement.

As a non-commissioned study, the “Boses ng Bayan” survey serves as a barometer of governance performance and public sentiment. The latest findings indicate voters in Eastern Visayas continue to reward representatives who demonstrate competence, accountability, effective representation, and commitment to public.