Trend shows sure win of reelectionist Iloilo solons, guv
The Ilonggo electorate has spoken and gave fresh mandate to a number of reelectionist candidates particularly Representatives in Congress and Iloilo's governor.
As of press time yesterday, trend showed significant leads of comebacking solons, administration's First District Representative Janette Loreto-Garin, Second District Judy Syjuco, Third District Arthur Defensor and Fourth District Ferjinel Biron over their respective opponents in the opposition.
At about 5 p.m., it was still too close to call though for the winning congressional candidate in Northern Iloilo's Fifth District with the fight "neck to neck" between first cousins Niel Tupas Jr. and Enrique "Boy" Suplico. A number of polling precincts such as the ones in Sara, Iloilo had a zero turn-out for Tupas Jr. however leads were also noted in Tupas strongholds such as Barotac Viejo.
Reelectionist Governor Niel Tupas Sr. though is certain to regain his seat in the Capitol in an overwhelming turnout of votes over opponent, Vice Governor Roberto Armada. The Vice Governor while the administration's official candidate for governor apparently failed to secure the backing of Ilonggo solons with the trend showing a Tupas victory in just about all districts.
Iloilo towns will see both new and old faces with initial results showing victories and defeats of incumbent town officials. Yesterday's polls also opened the doors for former reporters turned government officials as in the sure victory of ex-Bombo Reporter Bert Celeste, thus far the number one town councilor in Dumangas, Iloilo. Same victory for ex-Aksyon Radyo News Director Francisco "Iko" Elbanbuena who made it in the top five councilors of his hometown Igbaras, Iloilo. A repeat in government service too for ex-Bombo Anchorman Dennis Octaviano who was a runaway winner as councilor in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. And number one spot as well for ex-Bombo Reporter and anchorman Ronald Cabacas in Lemery, Iloilo. A total of 14 former reporters gave up years of media life and joined this year's elections.
In the First District, younger sister Ninfa Serag-Garin appeared to have won overwhelmingly over brother Sebastian "Bastek" Serag in a one-on-one mayoralty fight in San Joaquin, Iloilo. Daughter Christine Serag-Garin ran as mayor unopposed in Garin hometown in Guimbal, Iloilo. Igbaras will see anew another term of reelectionist Mayor James Esmeralda.
In the Second District, fireworks were lit as early as mid-morning yesterday with the lead appearing to be overwhelming as well for reelectionist Sta. Barbara Mayor Isabelo Maquino. The same winning streak for reelectionist San Miguel Mayor Gregorio Villarico.
In the Third District, trend shows a comeback for former Mayor Teodoro Lao of Calinog, Iloilo while it is still a crucial wait for the town of Lambunao with the hotly-contested mayoralty post between retired Police General Reynor Gonzales and former Board Member Vicente Ramirez.
In Bingawan, governance will be a tandem for brothers Matt Palabrica as the new Mayor and Mark Palabrica as Vice Mayor.
In the Fourth District, San Enrique will have a repeat on the respected leadership of lady Mayor Trixie Fernandez-Tupas while Barotac Nuevo will have a try on the governance of Hernan Biron, father of Fourth District Representative Biron.
In the Fifth District, trend shows a comfortable lead in the first-time political battle of retired Police General Restituto Mosqueda over incumbent Mayor Rene Cordero and victory as well for Batad's new mayor in incoming Mayor Elvira "Little" Alarcon, wife of outgoing Mayor Pedro Alarcon.
Meantime, latest trend on Monday's polls showed the apparent victory of brothers Rahman and Felipe Nava in the Province of Guimaras. If the lead continues, Rahman will be the next congressman of the Lone District of said island-province while Felipe will take-over the reigns in the Capitol as governor.