TACLOBAN CITY -- Three millennials from popular clans succeeded in their first attempts to hold key elective positions in Eastern Visayas amid criticisms of lack of leadership experience.
On Wednesday, the provincial board of canvassers proclaimed Carl Nicolas Cari, as congressman-elect of Leyte’s 5th District, replacing his father, incumbent Rep. Jose Carlos, who won as Baybay City mayor.
At 26, Carl Nicolas will be the youngest solon from Eastern Visayas region in the next Congress. He is currently an ex-officio member of the city council as president of the city’s association of village chiefs.
He garnered 33,087 votes, more than double than the 16,786 votes earned by businesswoman Marilou Baligod.
When asked what will be his priority legislation, the younger Cari said that he will craft laws for farmers.
“Our farmers have been suffering especially coconut farmers because of the declining price of copra in the market.”
Carl Nicolas is a grandson of Carmen Cari, the clan’s matriarch and outgoing Baybay City mayor. Carmen’s grandfather Jose Ma. Veloso became Leyte first district representative for three terms (1922-1925; 1935-1938; 1941-1946) and senator for two terms (1916-1919 and 1925-1935) during the Commonwealth period.
Their family is Leyte’s oldest political dynasty, reigning before the era of Romualdezes of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos.
In Samar's capital city of Catbalogan, 25-year-old Dexter Uy is the new mayor-elect after a one-on-one race against businessman and politician Von Zosa. Dexter garnered 28,285 votes ahead of 21,241 votes obtained by Zosa.
Dexter, is the son of Coefredo, a long-time city mayor who was proclaimed vice mayor-elect. His sister, suspended Mayor Stephanie, is a newly-elected city councilor. Dexter served as Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President of Catbalogan in 2012.
“I am thankful to all residents of Catbalogan City for trusting and voting me. As the new mayor, I will be focusing on developmental projects that will bring improvements and progress to the city,” Uy said in a text message.
The youngest newly-elected official is 22-year-old Eduardo Ong Jr., who won as vice mayor to his namesake and father, Eduardo Ong Sr., the incumbent municipal mayor of Carigara town. The elder Ong also won for his third and final term as the town’s local chief executive.
The vice-mayor elect won with 20,585 votes against the 7,317 votes of incumbent Carigara Vice-Mayor Mildred Modesto.
The younger Ong's dominance in the vice-mayoralty race is a bitter-sweet victory for his family after his uncle, Leyte 2nd District Rep. Henry Ong, lost his bid for a second term in the House of Representatives.
The father and uncle of Eduardo Jr. toppled the more than the 30-year reign of Apostol clan in Carigara and the 2nd District of Leyte in the 2013 and 2016 elections.
“It’s a huge privilege to be trusted with the municipal council of Carigara. Foundations will be laid the next three years to ensure the sustainable growth of our municipality,” Ong said in his statement posted on social media.
Eduardo Jr. is a fresh graduate of business management of the De La Salle University in Manila where he grew up.
Since last year, he has been running a comedy bar with 10 workers in Metrowalk, a commercial hub in Pasig City. (PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069904
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
GMA Network starts digital TV transmission using permanent frequency
Broadcast giant GMA Network Inc. on Wednesday officially started transmitting digital television (DTV) using permanent frequency, as part of the company's shift from analog TV.
"Today marks another milestone in our digital journey. As of sign on this morning, GMA has begun transmitting digital TV using its permanent frequency," GMA chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon said in a speech during the company's annual stockholders meeting in Quezon City.
According to Gozon, GMA started transmitting DTV on May 15 using its permanent frequency UHF Channel 15, assigned by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
"The viewers of analog TV may continue to watch GMA programs on our free-to-air Channel 7 broadcast," said Gozon.
The government in 2017 said it aimed to phase out analog television by 2023 and to have the industry fully migrated to Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) by then.
"We are targeting four to six years of simulcast before the analog shut off," George P. Tardio, chief of the DICT National Information and Communications Technology Planning, said in February 2017.
Prior to this, the NTC in November 2013 issued a memorandum circular on the "Standard for Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast Service," following an order of then-President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for the industry to shift to digital TV using the Japanese standard.
Earlier this year, GMA said it was investing over P1 billion to complete the second phase of its digitization project.
"All these state-of-the-art upgrades are part of GMA Network’s ongoing digitization project to bring world-class programming to our viewers here and abroad," Gozon said in February.
"We are excited to unveil more innovative offerings that will not only maintain our position as the country’s leading broadcast network but will also revolutionize TV viewing experience in the Philippines," he said. — BM, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/694513/gma-network-starts-digital-tv-transmission-using-permanent-frequency/story/
"Today marks another milestone in our digital journey. As of sign on this morning, GMA has begun transmitting digital TV using its permanent frequency," GMA chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon said in a speech during the company's annual stockholders meeting in Quezon City.
GMA CEO Felipe Gozon: “This morning GMA has begun transmitting digital TV using its permanent frequency.” || @gmanews pic.twitter.com/it34eDRjwi— Jon Viktor Cabuenas (@ViktorCabuenas) May 15, 2019
According to Gozon, GMA started transmitting DTV on May 15 using its permanent frequency UHF Channel 15, assigned by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
"The viewers of analog TV may continue to watch GMA programs on our free-to-air Channel 7 broadcast," said Gozon.
The government in 2017 said it aimed to phase out analog television by 2023 and to have the industry fully migrated to Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) by then.
"We are targeting four to six years of simulcast before the analog shut off," George P. Tardio, chief of the DICT National Information and Communications Technology Planning, said in February 2017.
Prior to this, the NTC in November 2013 issued a memorandum circular on the "Standard for Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast Service," following an order of then-President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for the industry to shift to digital TV using the Japanese standard.
Earlier this year, GMA said it was investing over P1 billion to complete the second phase of its digitization project.
"All these state-of-the-art upgrades are part of GMA Network’s ongoing digitization project to bring world-class programming to our viewers here and abroad," Gozon said in February.
"We are excited to unveil more innovative offerings that will not only maintain our position as the country’s leading broadcast network but will also revolutionize TV viewing experience in the Philippines," he said. — BM, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/694513/gma-network-starts-digital-tv-transmission-using-permanent-frequency/story/
Joy B, Gian wagi sa Quezon City
Naiproklama na kahapon ng umaga ng Commission on Elections-QC-Board of Canvassers bilang nagwaging QC Mayor na si Joy Belmonte at nanalong bise-alkalde na si Gian Sotto sa QC Albert Hall sa QC Hall.
Sa final canvassing ng mga balota sa QC, nakakuha si Belmonte ng botong 469,480 at si Gian Sotto na nakakuha ng 382,393 votes.
May mahigit labing-apat na oras bago nakumpleto ng Comelec-QC ang canvassing ng mga boto at naiproklama na ang lahat ng mga nanalong kandidato.
Ang mga nanalong congressman sa District 1- Onyx Crisologo, District 2- Precious Castelo, Allan Reyes – District 3, Bong Suntay – District 4, Alfred Vargas – District 5 at Kit Belmonte – District 6.
Sa mga konsehal sa District 1- Alex Herrera, Lena Marie Juico, Doray Delarmente, TJ Calalay, Nikki Crisologo at Victor Ferrer.
Ang nanalong councilors sa district 2 na sina Winston Castelo, Bong Liban, Candy Medina, Ramon Toto Me-dalla, Mikey Belmonte at Estrella Valmocina.
Sa District 3, nanalo at naiproklama na rin sina Franz Pumaren, Kate Coseteng, John Defensor, Wency Lagumbay, Jorge Banal at Ryza de Leon.
Sa District 4, Councilors sina Imee Rillo, Marra Suntay, Irene Belmonte, Resty Malangen, Ivy Lagman at Hero Bautista.
Sa district 5 ang nanalong konsehal ay sina Joe Visaya, Carl Castelo, PM Vargas, Shay Liban, Ram Medalla at Allan Francisco habang sa District 6 ay sina Marivic Co Pilar, Bobby Castelo, Roger Juan, Lala Sotto, Donny Matias at Eric Juan.
Nagpapasalamat naman si Belmonte sa ipinakitang suporta ng mga taga-QC kaya’t agad anyang magta-trabaho para maipatupad ang mga pangako sa mga taga-lungsod. (Mer Layson)
https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/metro/2019/05/15/1917856/joy-b-gian-wagi-sa-quezon-city
Sa final canvassing ng mga balota sa QC, nakakuha si Belmonte ng botong 469,480 at si Gian Sotto na nakakuha ng 382,393 votes.
May mahigit labing-apat na oras bago nakumpleto ng Comelec-QC ang canvassing ng mga boto at naiproklama na ang lahat ng mga nanalong kandidato.
Ang mga nanalong congressman sa District 1- Onyx Crisologo, District 2- Precious Castelo, Allan Reyes – District 3, Bong Suntay – District 4, Alfred Vargas – District 5 at Kit Belmonte – District 6.
Sa mga konsehal sa District 1- Alex Herrera, Lena Marie Juico, Doray Delarmente, TJ Calalay, Nikki Crisologo at Victor Ferrer.
Ang nanalong councilors sa district 2 na sina Winston Castelo, Bong Liban, Candy Medina, Ramon Toto Me-dalla, Mikey Belmonte at Estrella Valmocina.
Sa District 3, nanalo at naiproklama na rin sina Franz Pumaren, Kate Coseteng, John Defensor, Wency Lagumbay, Jorge Banal at Ryza de Leon.
Sa District 4, Councilors sina Imee Rillo, Marra Suntay, Irene Belmonte, Resty Malangen, Ivy Lagman at Hero Bautista.
Sa district 5 ang nanalong konsehal ay sina Joe Visaya, Carl Castelo, PM Vargas, Shay Liban, Ram Medalla at Allan Francisco habang sa District 6 ay sina Marivic Co Pilar, Bobby Castelo, Roger Juan, Lala Sotto, Donny Matias at Eric Juan.
Nagpapasalamat naman si Belmonte sa ipinakitang suporta ng mga taga-QC kaya’t agad anyang magta-trabaho para maipatupad ang mga pangako sa mga taga-lungsod. (Mer Layson)
https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/metro/2019/05/15/1917856/joy-b-gian-wagi-sa-quezon-city
Incumbents rule polls in southern MM
Incumbent officials dominated the midterm polls in southern Metro Manila.
Reelectionist Makati City Mayor Abby Binay was proclaimed winner with 179,522 votes, which is 80,869 higher than the 98,653 votes for her brother former mayor Junjun Binay, followed by businessman Ricky Yabut with 23,721 votes.
Independent candidates Rene Bondal garnered 3,565 votes; Wilfredo Talag, 1,541; and Love Alanzalon with 1,101.
Binay was not present during her proclamation at the Makati City coliseum yesterday morning.
Binay’s running mate, Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, also retained her post as she won against outgoing Makati City Rep. Monsour del Rosario, Battle Batalla, Roberto Lantin and Rodolfo Biolena.
Just like Binay, incumbent Pateros Mayor Ike Ponce has also retained his post with 18,370 votes against his opponent mayoral bet “Doc” Willie Buenaventura with 8,775.
Pateros Vice Mayor Gerald German also won with 14,600 votes against Carlo Santos, who only got 11,729 votes.
Film director Lino Cayetano was proclaimed mayor in Taguig City along with incumbent Vice Mayor Ricardo Cruz.
Former senator and foreign affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano won as Taguig District 1 congressman while his wife, erstwhile Mayor Lani Cayetano, won as representative of District 2.
In Las Piñas City, Mayor Imelda Aguilar secured her second term as mayor, garnering 170,972 votes or 87.8 percent of the total votes cast against her three other rivals: Louie Casimiro, Benjamin Gonzales and Conrado Miranda, all independent.
Aguilar’s daughter April won as vice mayor with 161,789 votes or 86.32-percent of the total votes cast against independent candidate Antonio Abellar Jr.
Also, Camille Villar, daughter of reelectionist Sen. Cynthia Villar, won as congresswoman for the city’s lone district by 173,917 or 89.78 percent of the total votes cast against her opponent Jerry delos Reyes.
The mother-and-daughter tandem and Villar all ran under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), headed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
Meanwhile, reelectionist Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, who ran under the Liberal Party, will be serving as mayor for the third and last time after gathering 164,144 votes. He got over 112,000 votes more than his closest rival, former Bureau of Immigration acting deputy commissioner Marc Red Mariñas.
Also, incumbent Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon received 169,756 votes against former councilor Rafael Arciaga, Mariñas’ bet for congressman, who got 36,317 votes.
Arciaga has filed graft complaints against Fresnedi before the Office of the Ombudsman, the latest in March, due to alleged overpricing of a parcel of land.
Former vice mayor Artemio Simundac made a comeback, winning against incumbent Vice Mayor Celso Dioko, Mariñas’ running mate.
He was recently implicated in an alleged vote-buying incident last weekend, with the city prosecutor referring the case for further investigation.
Outgoing Pasay City congresswoman Imelda Calixto-Rubiano won by landslide as mayor, garnering 121,391 votes. She will switch places with outgoing mayor Antonino Calixto, who won as congressman for the city’s lone district in the House of Representatives by a landslide.
Two younger Calixtos secured their spots in their reelection for councilor: Antonino’s son Mark for the city’s first district and Mark’s cousin Joey Calixto-Isidro for the second district.
In Parañaque City, reelectionists Mayor Edwin Olivarez and Vice Mayor Rico Golez, son of the late former National Security Adviser and the city’s second district congressman Roilo Golez, won a second term.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/05/15/1917857/incumbents-rule-polls-southern-mm
Reelectionist Makati City Mayor Abby Binay was proclaimed winner with 179,522 votes, which is 80,869 higher than the 98,653 votes for her brother former mayor Junjun Binay, followed by businessman Ricky Yabut with 23,721 votes.
Independent candidates Rene Bondal garnered 3,565 votes; Wilfredo Talag, 1,541; and Love Alanzalon with 1,101.
Binay was not present during her proclamation at the Makati City coliseum yesterday morning.
Binay’s running mate, Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, also retained her post as she won against outgoing Makati City Rep. Monsour del Rosario, Battle Batalla, Roberto Lantin and Rodolfo Biolena.
Just like Binay, incumbent Pateros Mayor Ike Ponce has also retained his post with 18,370 votes against his opponent mayoral bet “Doc” Willie Buenaventura with 8,775.
Pateros Vice Mayor Gerald German also won with 14,600 votes against Carlo Santos, who only got 11,729 votes.
Film director Lino Cayetano was proclaimed mayor in Taguig City along with incumbent Vice Mayor Ricardo Cruz.
Former senator and foreign affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano won as Taguig District 1 congressman while his wife, erstwhile Mayor Lani Cayetano, won as representative of District 2.
In Las Piñas City, Mayor Imelda Aguilar secured her second term as mayor, garnering 170,972 votes or 87.8 percent of the total votes cast against her three other rivals: Louie Casimiro, Benjamin Gonzales and Conrado Miranda, all independent.
Aguilar’s daughter April won as vice mayor with 161,789 votes or 86.32-percent of the total votes cast against independent candidate Antonio Abellar Jr.
Also, Camille Villar, daughter of reelectionist Sen. Cynthia Villar, won as congresswoman for the city’s lone district by 173,917 or 89.78 percent of the total votes cast against her opponent Jerry delos Reyes.
The mother-and-daughter tandem and Villar all ran under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), headed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
Meanwhile, reelectionist Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, who ran under the Liberal Party, will be serving as mayor for the third and last time after gathering 164,144 votes. He got over 112,000 votes more than his closest rival, former Bureau of Immigration acting deputy commissioner Marc Red Mariñas.
Also, incumbent Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon received 169,756 votes against former councilor Rafael Arciaga, Mariñas’ bet for congressman, who got 36,317 votes.
Arciaga has filed graft complaints against Fresnedi before the Office of the Ombudsman, the latest in March, due to alleged overpricing of a parcel of land.
Former vice mayor Artemio Simundac made a comeback, winning against incumbent Vice Mayor Celso Dioko, Mariñas’ running mate.
He was recently implicated in an alleged vote-buying incident last weekend, with the city prosecutor referring the case for further investigation.
Outgoing Pasay City congresswoman Imelda Calixto-Rubiano won by landslide as mayor, garnering 121,391 votes. She will switch places with outgoing mayor Antonino Calixto, who won as congressman for the city’s lone district in the House of Representatives by a landslide.
Two younger Calixtos secured their spots in their reelection for councilor: Antonino’s son Mark for the city’s first district and Mark’s cousin Joey Calixto-Isidro for the second district.
In Parañaque City, reelectionists Mayor Edwin Olivarez and Vice Mayor Rico Golez, son of the late former National Security Adviser and the city’s second district congressman Roilo Golez, won a second term.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/05/15/1917857/incumbents-rule-polls-southern-mm
Pol dynasties lose in regions
THE outcome of the Monday elections might have spelled the end to many known political dynasties in the provinces.
Early results in the partial unofficial count by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gave people a peek at which of the looming political dynasties will occupy center stage of partisan rule in the provinces.
Josons’ reign ends
The victory of the Umali brothers — Aurelio as governor and Anthony as vice governor — as shown in the complete unofficial results, closed the book on the decades-old rule of the Josons in Nueva Ecija.
Former governor Edno Joson was defeated by Aurelio; while his nephew who ran for vice governor, incumbent provincial Board member Edward Thomas Joson, older son of former governor Tomas Joson 3rd, also lost to Emmanuel Anthony “Doc” Umali.
The Vergaras of Cabanatuan City were also slugging it out with the Umalis. Third District reelectionist Rep. Rosanna “Ria” Vergara won over her opponent, incumbent Gov. Czarina Umali, the elected governor’s wife.
In Cabanatuan City, Mica Elizabeth Vergara and her father Julius Caesar “Jay” Vergara won as mayor and vice mayor, respectively, along with 10 councilors.
Cabanatuan is not only the center of commerce in Nueva Ecija, it is also the center of political activities and is a determining factor in the local elections with its 201,893 voters, the highest number in the province.
Outgoing mayor Jay fielded his daughter Mica for the mayorship while he ran for vice mayor. Mica is a stepdaughter of Ria.
Incumbent Fourth District Rep. Magnolia Antonino was defeated by the neophyte former mayor of Gapan City Maricel Natividad Nagaño.
The provincial board of canvassers proclaimed winners Ria, Nagaño and some of the Provincial Board members namely, Eduardo “EJ” Joson, Jojo Matias, Claudine Joy Pascual, Napoleon Interior and Maritess Patiag.
Rep. Estrella “Ging” Suansing, won in the First District, defeating incumbent provincial Board member actor Rommel Padilla, father of actor Daniel Padilla.
First District and Second District representatives were not proclaimed on Tuesday because four Secure Digital (SD) cards reportedly malfunctioned in the towns of
Cuyapo, Aliaga Talavera and Rizal, and were sent to the regional Comelec office where the SD cards were to be reconfigured, said provincial election assistant, Charizze Bolisay.
Rep. Micaela “Mikki” Violago won by a landslide against her challenger, brother-in-law Lito Violago, in the Second District .
In Bulacan, actor and incumbent Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando is set to replace Gov. Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado, who also won landslide as vice governor.
Fernando won his first term as governor after serving three terms as vice governor of the vote-rich province over his rivals Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad and Theodore “Teddy” Natividad .
Other elected officials were already proclaimed on Tuesday, including former Pandi mayor Enrico Roque who won by a huge margin over incumbent Tinoy Marquez; reelectionists mayors Joni Villanueva of Bocaue and Goto Violago of San Rafael town.
Violago was earlier named by President Rodrigo Duterte as among the narcopoliticians.
Other winners for mayor were Linabelle Ruth Villarica of Meycauayan City and incumbent Mayor Arthur Robes of the City of San Jose del Monte.
Neophytes beat seasoned rivals
In Baguio City, a newbie politician bested his seasoned rivals as he coasted to a convincing victory in the mayoral race in the Summer Capital.
The City Board of Canvassers proclaimed retired Police Maj. Gen. Benjamin Magalong shortly before midnight on Monday as the next mayor after establishing a margin of nearly 18,000 votes against his closest rival, incumbent Vice Mayor Edison Bilog and three other candidates.
“I was overwhelmed by the outcome of the political exercise. We will have to hit the ground going because there are a lot of expectations from the people,” Magalong, who retired from the Philippine National Police in 2016, said.
The former chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will take the place of six-term Mayor Mauricio Domogan, who would end his current term as local chief executive by noon of June 30.
Woman power
In Zamboanga, female power proved true for Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar, who defeated Rep. Celso Lobregat in what could be a historical victory against a powerful political clan that ruled Zamboanga for many decades now.
Salazar won overwhelmingly with over 30,000 votes against Lobregat, who was once touted as the richest mayor in Mindanao, and one of the longest and oldest serving members of the House of Representatives.
Garnering over 130,000 votes, Salazar campaigned hard and tirelessly, which could be a humiliating defeat for Lobregat, who claimed to have the support of nearly 80 percent of barangay (village) chairmen and various sectors in Zamboanga.
His younger brother, Jomar, also ran for a congressional seat but was defeated for the second time since 2013.
Salazar’s grandfather, Cesar Climaco, considered the greatest mayor of Zamboanga, also defeated Lobregat’s mother, Maria Clara, 35 years ago.
In Sulu, returning governor Sakur Tan and his group won the election by a wide margin over their opponents.
The Tan patriarch edged over rival Ben Loong, who was supported by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. His sons also won seats: Toto as vice governor and Samier as congressman. Meanwhile his daughter, Sheila, was proclaimed mayor of Maimbung town.
Tan is a known philanthropist and an influential Muslim leader, who supported President Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential campaign in 2016 after breaking away from the administration and political party of former president Benigno Aquino 3rd months before elections.
Despite being threatened by the military for supporting Duterte instead of former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd, Tan rallied almost all of 19 municipal mayors in Sulu and other Muslim provinces to back Duterte, who eventually won by a landslide in the Muslim autonomous region.
Reelectionists win
Without official proclamation, majority of reelectionists in Quezon province have secured their positions, including the mayor of Lucena City.
House Minority Floor Leader Danilo Suarez won over opponent fellow Rep. Vicente Alcala for the gubernatorial race, while incumbent Vice Gov. Sam Nantes retained his post against contender Arcie Malite.
Returning as unopposed, First District Rep. Mark Enverga and Fourth District Rep. Angelina Tan both secured reelection wins.
Third District Rep. Aleta Suarez, who took over her husband Danilo’s post, also won over Ronnie de Luna, while incumbent governor David Suarez walloped former Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala for the Second District’s seat.
Incumbent Lucena Mayor Roderick Alcala and Vice Mayor Philip Castillo were also reelected.
Meanwhile, among Quezon’s 39 towns and two cities, only General Luna town’s mayoral winner Matt Florido, a neophyte candidate, was proclaimed by the local Comelec on Monday night.
In Rizal province, reelectionist Rep. Michael John “Jack” Duavit enjoyed a wide lead over lone opponent Noli Dazo, while Gov. Rebecca “Nini” Ynares secured a second term.
Joric Gacula got a second term as mayor in Taytay, Rizal after leading against Carlito “Bonoy” Gonzaga, father of actors Toni and Alex Gonzaga.
In Angono, Jeri Mae Calderon, daughter of former Angono mayor Gerry Calderon, was elected as the new town mayor, while his father will sit as vice mayor.
In Cainta, incumbent mayor Johnielle “Kit” Nieto got a fresh mandate after winning over former Cainta vice mayor Pia Velasco.
Reelection bids lost
Three incumbent mayors in Negros Occidental lost their reelection bids, based on partial official results on Tuesday.
Incumbent Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor lost to Irene Consunji Montilla, wife of the late Mayor Enrique Montilla by only 48 votes.
Fifth District Rep. Alejandro Mirasol succeeded in reclaiming the mayorship of Binalabagan town from erstwhile political ally Mayor Manuel Aranda. Mirasol’s wife Mary Ann lost to Aranda in 2016.
Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña also lost to his estranged niece Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo.
Garcia’s running mater Ian Villaflor won as vice mayor.
In Himamaylan City, the decades rule of the Bascons ended with the victory of Raymond Tongson as mayor against incumbent Vice Mayor Carmencita Bascon.
Mayors elected to their first terms were Salvador Escalante Jr. of Cadiz City, Alfonso Baguio of Calatrava, Melecio Yap of Escalante City, John Paul Alvarez of Ilog, Pedro Zayco of Kabankalan City, Renato Gustilo of San Carlos City and Maria Gina Lizares of Sipalay City.
Awaiting proclamation are incoming governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and vice governor Jeffrey Ferrer.
Cutain falls on Cebu’s Osmeña
As the Comelec count in Cebu approached the 100 percent marks, the numbers showed that the curtains have come down on Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s political life in Cebu.
Partial and unofficial results as of 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday revealed that 99.87 percent of the election returns in Cebu City had been transmitted.
According to the Comelec Transparency Server, Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella led the mayoral race with 265,436 votes, while Osmeña garnered 246,399 votes.
On his official Facebook page, Osmeña said: “I do not want a single person to feel sorry for me. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I am not the priority. You are the priority. Everything I’ve done as mayor, I’ve done for Cebu.”
Meanwhile, Labella thanked Cebuanos on his official Facebook page. “Thank you, my fellow Sugbuanons, thank you for placing your trust in me. I pray to God for wisdom, for good health, for strength and patience, so that I can help all of you build a city where everyone, not just a few, can flourish and prosper.” CELSO M. CAJUCOM, FREDERICK SILVERIO, DEXTER A. SEE, AL JACINTO, BELLY M. OTORDOZ, GABRIELA BARON, EUGENE Y. ADIONG AND RHEA RUTH ROSELL
Early results in the partial unofficial count by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gave people a peek at which of the looming political dynasties will occupy center stage of partisan rule in the provinces.
Josons’ reign ends
The victory of the Umali brothers — Aurelio as governor and Anthony as vice governor — as shown in the complete unofficial results, closed the book on the decades-old rule of the Josons in Nueva Ecija.
Former governor Edno Joson was defeated by Aurelio; while his nephew who ran for vice governor, incumbent provincial Board member Edward Thomas Joson, older son of former governor Tomas Joson 3rd, also lost to Emmanuel Anthony “Doc” Umali.
The Vergaras of Cabanatuan City were also slugging it out with the Umalis. Third District reelectionist Rep. Rosanna “Ria” Vergara won over her opponent, incumbent Gov. Czarina Umali, the elected governor’s wife.
In Cabanatuan City, Mica Elizabeth Vergara and her father Julius Caesar “Jay” Vergara won as mayor and vice mayor, respectively, along with 10 councilors.
Cabanatuan is not only the center of commerce in Nueva Ecija, it is also the center of political activities and is a determining factor in the local elections with its 201,893 voters, the highest number in the province.
Outgoing mayor Jay fielded his daughter Mica for the mayorship while he ran for vice mayor. Mica is a stepdaughter of Ria.
Incumbent Fourth District Rep. Magnolia Antonino was defeated by the neophyte former mayor of Gapan City Maricel Natividad Nagaño.
The provincial board of canvassers proclaimed winners Ria, Nagaño and some of the Provincial Board members namely, Eduardo “EJ” Joson, Jojo Matias, Claudine Joy Pascual, Napoleon Interior and Maritess Patiag.
Rep. Estrella “Ging” Suansing, won in the First District, defeating incumbent provincial Board member actor Rommel Padilla, father of actor Daniel Padilla.
First District and Second District representatives were not proclaimed on Tuesday because four Secure Digital (SD) cards reportedly malfunctioned in the towns of
Cuyapo, Aliaga Talavera and Rizal, and were sent to the regional Comelec office where the SD cards were to be reconfigured, said provincial election assistant, Charizze Bolisay.
Rep. Micaela “Mikki” Violago won by a landslide against her challenger, brother-in-law Lito Violago, in the Second District .
In Bulacan, actor and incumbent Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando is set to replace Gov. Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado, who also won landslide as vice governor.
Fernando won his first term as governor after serving three terms as vice governor of the vote-rich province over his rivals Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad and Theodore “Teddy” Natividad .
Other elected officials were already proclaimed on Tuesday, including former Pandi mayor Enrico Roque who won by a huge margin over incumbent Tinoy Marquez; reelectionists mayors Joni Villanueva of Bocaue and Goto Violago of San Rafael town.
Violago was earlier named by President Rodrigo Duterte as among the narcopoliticians.
Other winners for mayor were Linabelle Ruth Villarica of Meycauayan City and incumbent Mayor Arthur Robes of the City of San Jose del Monte.
Neophytes beat seasoned rivals
In Baguio City, a newbie politician bested his seasoned rivals as he coasted to a convincing victory in the mayoral race in the Summer Capital.
The City Board of Canvassers proclaimed retired Police Maj. Gen. Benjamin Magalong shortly before midnight on Monday as the next mayor after establishing a margin of nearly 18,000 votes against his closest rival, incumbent Vice Mayor Edison Bilog and three other candidates.
“I was overwhelmed by the outcome of the political exercise. We will have to hit the ground going because there are a lot of expectations from the people,” Magalong, who retired from the Philippine National Police in 2016, said.
The former chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will take the place of six-term Mayor Mauricio Domogan, who would end his current term as local chief executive by noon of June 30.
Woman power
In Zamboanga, female power proved true for Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar, who defeated Rep. Celso Lobregat in what could be a historical victory against a powerful political clan that ruled Zamboanga for many decades now.
Salazar won overwhelmingly with over 30,000 votes against Lobregat, who was once touted as the richest mayor in Mindanao, and one of the longest and oldest serving members of the House of Representatives.
Garnering over 130,000 votes, Salazar campaigned hard and tirelessly, which could be a humiliating defeat for Lobregat, who claimed to have the support of nearly 80 percent of barangay (village) chairmen and various sectors in Zamboanga.
His younger brother, Jomar, also ran for a congressional seat but was defeated for the second time since 2013.
Salazar’s grandfather, Cesar Climaco, considered the greatest mayor of Zamboanga, also defeated Lobregat’s mother, Maria Clara, 35 years ago.
In Sulu, returning governor Sakur Tan and his group won the election by a wide margin over their opponents.
The Tan patriarch edged over rival Ben Loong, who was supported by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. His sons also won seats: Toto as vice governor and Samier as congressman. Meanwhile his daughter, Sheila, was proclaimed mayor of Maimbung town.
Tan is a known philanthropist and an influential Muslim leader, who supported President Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential campaign in 2016 after breaking away from the administration and political party of former president Benigno Aquino 3rd months before elections.
Despite being threatened by the military for supporting Duterte instead of former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd, Tan rallied almost all of 19 municipal mayors in Sulu and other Muslim provinces to back Duterte, who eventually won by a landslide in the Muslim autonomous region.
Reelectionists win
Without official proclamation, majority of reelectionists in Quezon province have secured their positions, including the mayor of Lucena City.
House Minority Floor Leader Danilo Suarez won over opponent fellow Rep. Vicente Alcala for the gubernatorial race, while incumbent Vice Gov. Sam Nantes retained his post against contender Arcie Malite.
Returning as unopposed, First District Rep. Mark Enverga and Fourth District Rep. Angelina Tan both secured reelection wins.
Third District Rep. Aleta Suarez, who took over her husband Danilo’s post, also won over Ronnie de Luna, while incumbent governor David Suarez walloped former Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala for the Second District’s seat.
Incumbent Lucena Mayor Roderick Alcala and Vice Mayor Philip Castillo were also reelected.
Meanwhile, among Quezon’s 39 towns and two cities, only General Luna town’s mayoral winner Matt Florido, a neophyte candidate, was proclaimed by the local Comelec on Monday night.
In Rizal province, reelectionist Rep. Michael John “Jack” Duavit enjoyed a wide lead over lone opponent Noli Dazo, while Gov. Rebecca “Nini” Ynares secured a second term.
Joric Gacula got a second term as mayor in Taytay, Rizal after leading against Carlito “Bonoy” Gonzaga, father of actors Toni and Alex Gonzaga.
In Angono, Jeri Mae Calderon, daughter of former Angono mayor Gerry Calderon, was elected as the new town mayor, while his father will sit as vice mayor.
In Cainta, incumbent mayor Johnielle “Kit” Nieto got a fresh mandate after winning over former Cainta vice mayor Pia Velasco.
Reelection bids lost
Three incumbent mayors in Negros Occidental lost their reelection bids, based on partial official results on Tuesday.
Incumbent Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor lost to Irene Consunji Montilla, wife of the late Mayor Enrique Montilla by only 48 votes.
Fifth District Rep. Alejandro Mirasol succeeded in reclaiming the mayorship of Binalabagan town from erstwhile political ally Mayor Manuel Aranda. Mirasol’s wife Mary Ann lost to Aranda in 2016.
Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña also lost to his estranged niece Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo.
Garcia’s running mater Ian Villaflor won as vice mayor.
In Himamaylan City, the decades rule of the Bascons ended with the victory of Raymond Tongson as mayor against incumbent Vice Mayor Carmencita Bascon.
Mayors elected to their first terms were Salvador Escalante Jr. of Cadiz City, Alfonso Baguio of Calatrava, Melecio Yap of Escalante City, John Paul Alvarez of Ilog, Pedro Zayco of Kabankalan City, Renato Gustilo of San Carlos City and Maria Gina Lizares of Sipalay City.
Awaiting proclamation are incoming governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and vice governor Jeffrey Ferrer.
Cutain falls on Cebu’s Osmeña
As the Comelec count in Cebu approached the 100 percent marks, the numbers showed that the curtains have come down on Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s political life in Cebu.
Partial and unofficial results as of 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday revealed that 99.87 percent of the election returns in Cebu City had been transmitted.
According to the Comelec Transparency Server, Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella led the mayoral race with 265,436 votes, while Osmeña garnered 246,399 votes.
On his official Facebook page, Osmeña said: “I do not want a single person to feel sorry for me. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I am not the priority. You are the priority. Everything I’ve done as mayor, I’ve done for Cebu.”
Meanwhile, Labella thanked Cebuanos on his official Facebook page. “Thank you, my fellow Sugbuanons, thank you for placing your trust in me. I pray to God for wisdom, for good health, for strength and patience, so that I can help all of you build a city where everyone, not just a few, can flourish and prosper.” CELSO M. CAJUCOM, FREDERICK SILVERIO, DEXTER A. SEE, AL JACINTO, BELLY M. OTORDOZ, GABRIELA BARON, EUGENE Y. ADIONG AND RHEA RUTH ROSELL
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