Quezon politics, for decades, have always been dominated by a few political families.
First and least, in past years, have been the Suarez family - until the Tans surfaced.
Today, Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan is currently at the helm of the province’s political scene.
Tan won in a landslide in 2022, getting 790,534 votes against then-incumbent Danilo “Danny' Suarez, who got 320,296 votes — a margin of 470,238 votes.
The Suarezes, however, have managed to maintain control over some of the most important political positions in the province.
For instance, David "Jay-Jay" Suarez, Danilo’s son, currently represents Quezon's 2nd district and is one of the Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives.
The two are now rumored to cross swords in the coming 2028 national and local elections.
Political pundits are divided and undecided on whether that would be the case, with elections a little more than two years away.
This is the battle of the Titans.
Race to the top
It is the kind of political matchup that Quezon voters are only just beginning to imagine.
If the whispers turn out to be true and it becomes an official campaign, it will be one of the highest-profile races the province has seen.
Neither camp has confirmed anything yet.
But the possibility alone has already set the stage for what could be one of the region's most watched electoral battles.
Historic win
Tan’s victory was historic: she became the first woman ever elected governor of Quezon, breaking decades of political tradition in the province.
That result made her a formidable political player.
She was elected unopposed in 2025, a rarity in a province long split by fierce competition between entrenched political dynasties.
But 2028 could bring a different kind of contest.
This time, the potential challenger is not the same opponent she faced six years ago.
Jay-Jay Suarez brings his own political capital — built not just on his family name but also on his record in public office.
Broad base
Before rising to the capitol, “Doktora Helen” Tan spent three terms in Congress representing Quezon's 4th district, where she emerged as a leading voice on health legislation — most notably as a key champion of the Universal Health Care Act.
Trained as a physician, she infused the governorship with a public health service and community development emphasis that appealed to voters.
Her unopposed re-election in 2025 underscored her broad appeal.
But running without competition is one thing; defending that record against a well-organised, well-known opponent is another.
If Suarez enters the race, Tan will be running on her administration's six-year track record — and voters will weigh what they have seen against what they might expect from new leadership.
Comeback?
On the other hand, David "Jay-Jay" Suarez is no stranger to the Quezon capital.
He served as governor for nine years — from 2010 to 2019 — before stepping aside when his mother, Aleta Suarez, took the seat.
Since 2019, he has represented the province’s 2nd District in the House of Representatives, emerging as one of the province's most senior national figures.
Due to term limits, he cannot run for another term in Congress in 2028, making the gubernatorial race his most logical next step.
As governor, he pushed for big-ticket infrastructure projects such as the Quezon–Bicol Expressway, increased assistance for the province’s coconut farmers, and received awards for his administration’s health and governance programs.
His political network is national as well as local.
He is now spokesman for the Lakas-CMD Party, a position that provides him with access to resources and alliances that could be decisive in a provincial campaign.
However, he faces a significant challenge.
He has his own political track record, but the landslide of 2022 that gave his potential opponent a boost is a reminder of how much support Tan has garnered across the province.
Any campaign must focus on its vision and merits, not on past contests involving his family.
What’s at stake
The campaign, if it happens, is likely to be about more than personalities.
It will be a referendum on two very different ways of governing: Tan is focused on healthcare, social services and stability, whereas Suarez is focused on infrastructure, economic development and established political networks.
But it is also a race that will test the staying power of Quezon's most influential political families.
Their reach extends well beyond the two individuals at the center of the conversation.
Tan's eldest son, Rep. Keith Micah "Mike" Tan, currently represents the 4th District in Congress and notably secured the second-highest DPWH funding allocation nationwide in the 2027 national budget.
Her younger son, Keith Mikhal Tan, sits on the Provincial Board representing the 2nd District.
On the Suarez side, the legacy spans generations.
Jay-Jay’s father, Danilo "Danny" Suarez, is a notable figure in Quezon politics, having served as the former governor and House Minority Leader, and he lost the 2022 election. His mother, Aleta Suarez, previously held the 2nd District congressional seat. And his wife, Ana Marie Villaraza-Suarez, serves in Congress as the representative of the ALONA Partylist.
The question being asked across Quezon is already clear: Will Tan seek another term and defend her record?
Will Suarez exchange his congressional seat for a chance to return to the governor's mansion he once called home?
Regardless of the outcome, 2028 is already emerging as one of the most significant elections in Quezon's recent history.
It’s a next chapter being written, one whisper at a time, in a province where political dynasties run deep.
PHOTO LABEL:
A potential clash of two major political forces in Quezon province looms in 2028, with incumbent Governor Angelina “Doktora Helen” Tan (left) and 2nd District Representative David "Jay-Jay" Suarez rumored to cross swords for the province’s highest position. (Contributed photos)
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