Divinagracia garners 108 votes to defeat Ong
Administration-backed village chief Roberto “Bobby” Divinagracia of Brgy. San Agustin, City Proper garnered 108 votes to win as president of the Association of Barangay Captains in Iloilo City, defeating incumbent president Irene Ong, who got only 69 votes, during the election held yesterday at Grand Tower Hotel.
Most of the candidates in Divinagracia’s line-up won, including Carlos Guarin of Brgy. Aguinaldo, La Paz, who was elected vice president with 97 votes, edging out Love Joy Hosenilla of Buntatala, Jaro, who had only 74 votes.
Efren Gimeo of Brgy. Jalandoni Estate, Lapuz, La Paz, district won as auditor.
Elected to compose the board of directors are Rey Bion of Brgy. Luna, Jaro; Perla Guinea of Brgy. M. V. Hechanoca, Jaro; Reylan Hervias of Brgy. Compania, Molo; Cecilia Baylen of Brgy. Sta. Felomina, Arevalo; Juanillo Borro of Brgy. Hipodromo, City Proper; Ma. Ermin Moser of Brgy. Block 22, Mandurriao; Myde Sollano of Brgy. Progreso, Lapuz, La Paz, and Rafael Palmares Jr. of Brgy. Magsaysay, La Paz.
Support
Divinagracia, now in his second term, said his victory can be attributed to the support extended to him by Rep. Jerry Treñas and City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.
“I will do my very best to (fulfill) my responsibilities as new ABC president with honestly and integrity,” he said.
He said that politics is now over and called on all barangay captains to cooperate with him towards a common goal which is to help the community and its people.
Divinagracia said he will support the programs of the congressman and mayor as long as it would benefit majority of the people.
Ong, who is identified with the camp of former Presidential Legal Counsel Raul Gonzalez Sr., congratulated Divinagracia.
The former ABC president said she is happy that despite running against a formidable opponent, she garnered votes higher than what she expected.
“It is a clear indication that there are still village chiefs who believe in my capacity despite being offered so many opportunities,” she said.
Ong said she will support the programs and projects of Divinagracia aimed for public good.*
