Former actor and Oriental Mindoro Vice Gov. EJ Falcon conceded defeat Tuesday in his congressional bid, acknowledging incumbent Rep. Alfonso “PA” Umali Jr.’s victory in the province’s 2nd District race in the May 2025 midterm elections.

Umali, 70, a veteran politician who previously served as Oriental Mindoro governor from 2010 to 2019, secured his second consecutive term in the House of Representatives position he has held since 2019.

Complete but unofficial results from the Commission on Elections showed Umali winning by approximately 22,000 votes.

“The people of Oriental Mindoro have spoken, and while the result did not favor me, I am content knowing I gave my all to show my sincere intent to serve the province,” Falcon, 35, said in a statement.

Falcon, who gained national prominence after winning “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus” in 2008 before transitioning to politics, has served as vice governor since June 2022.

He represents both the ruling PDP-Laban party and local party GSM. He recently completed a bachelor’s degree in political science with a focus on local governance from the University of Makati in 2024.

“My service to the people does not end here, even as I return to private life,” Falcon added, though he did not specify his future political plans.

Umali, an architect by training with a degree from the University of Santo Tomas, has maintained a strong political presence in Oriental Mindoro for nearly two decades.

He previously led the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines from 2011 to 2014 and is known for infrastructure development projects in the province.

The election results further cement Umali’s political influence in Oriental Mindoro’s 2nd District, which includes the municipalities of Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Gloria, Mansalay, Pinamalayan, and Roxas.