Roger Mercado

Governor of Southern Leyte (2013–2016) In 2013, Mercado was successfully elected Governor of Southern Leyte, succeeding his brother Damian. He opted not to seek re-election to run for representative in 2016, which he would win.

House of Representatives (2016–2021)

Elected in 2016, Mercado was re-elected as representative in 2019 under the ruling PDP–Laban. In December 2019, he left PDP-Laban to return to the Lakas–CMD party.

Secretary of Public Works and Highways (2021–2022) On October 12, 2021, Mercado was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to become the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways. He succeeded Mark Villar, who resigned from the post to run for senator. Because of the appointment, he withdrew his re-election bid for representative of Southern Leyte's 1st congressional district, which was then newly redistricted. His wife, Luz Mercado, ran for the re-election bid of Mercado, eventually winning as congresswoman. He served as secretary until Duterte ended his presidential term on June 30, 2022.

Representative (2025–present) Mercado ran for representative of Southern Leyte's 1st congressional district in 2025 and won. He would succeed his wife Luz, who decided to run for mayor of Maasin instead of seeking re-election. On May 11, 2026, Mercado voted against the second impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, contrasting with the favorable vote of his wife Luz during the first impeachment of Duterte in 2025.

Controversy Following the 2001 Philippine general election, Rosette Lerias, an opponent of Mercado, filed an election protest against him, citing lack of merit. Two lawyers were present, though the protest was dismissed. Following the dismissal, a proclamation was filed, which was stalled when Mercado also filed a protest on May 17, which was also dismissed. She also created an election protest in the 1987 elections, which was declined.