BAGUIO CITY – Old names continue to dominate the political arena in the different parts of the region as evidenced by the results of the May 13, 2019 mid-term elections.
Aside from the old names in politics, the region’s electorate preferred to bring back come backing politicians instead of putting new faces who have proven track records in public service.
IN Apayao, unchallenged incumbent Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang and incumbent Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr. coasted their way smoothly to the province’s gubernatorial post and the lone congressional seat, respectively while Vice Governor Remy Albano was able to remain in his position for the second straight term as an unopposed candidate.
Abra Representative Joseph Sto. Niño Bernos was able to get the mandate of his constituents amidst the recommendation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc for the filing of election offense charges against him and the revival of his alleged murder charges while incumbent Gov. Maria Jocelyn V. Bernos was also overwhelmingly re-elected to her post. Vice Gov. Ronald Balao-as also bested incumbent boardmember Ana Marie Bersamin to cruise to his second term in the said position.
In Baguio City, Representtive Mark Go was able to get the fresh mandate of the city’s electorate for a second term amidst pressing issues on the alleged involvement of his family members to reported cornering of contracts among others while newcomer Retired Lt. Gen. Benjamin B. Magalong emerged victorious over his seasoned rivals for the city’s mayoralty position. Incumbent Councilor Faustino A. Olowan was able to work his way to become the next vice mayor of the country’s Summer Capital besting three other members of the local legislative body who also filed their candidacy for the same post.
Former Governor Nestor B. Fongwan, Sr. overwhelmingly bested his rivals, incumbent Mankayan Mayor Materno Luspian and lawyer Torson Keith for the lone congressional district of Benguet while former Buguias Melchor D. Diclas foiled the re-election bid of incumbent Gov. Crescencio C. Pacalso to be the next provincial governor. Senior Boardmember Johnny Waguis also dethroned 2-term Vice Gov. Florence Tingabaoen to complete the sweep of the PDP-Laban candidates for the top three positions in Benguet.
In Ifugao, former 3-term Rep. Solomon Chingalao bested his rivals to take back the province’s lone congressional seat while Banaeu Mayor Jerry Dalipog frustrated incumbent Rep. Teodoro Baguilat’s bid to have another term for the province’s gubernatorial post. 3-term Alfonso Lista Mayor and former Governor Glen Prudenciano was given a mandate to serve as the province’s vice governor for the next term.
Incumbent Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang got a fresh mandate from his constituents as he hurdled the challenge of incumbent Gov. Jocel C. Baac while incumbent Tabuk City Mayor edged incumbent Vice Gov. James Edduba for the province’s governatorial post. Incumbent boardmember Darwin Odiem w ill serve as the province’s vice governor after edging out his rivals for the said post.
In Mountain Province, lawer Maximo Dalog was elected as congressman while incumbent Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan emerged victorious in his re-election bid. Vice Gov. Francis Tauli retained his position by besting his rivals for the presiding officer of the provincial board. By HENT