ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. expressed gratitude to Ilonggos for electing Mayor Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque as the province’s next vice governor, saying her victory provides him with a reliable partner to sustain and complete his development agenda in his final term.
Debuque’s triumph over 5th District’s Cong. Raul “Boboy” Tupas in the midterm elections marks a pivotal moment for the Defensor administration, which is pushing for a “strong finish” to its MoRProGRes Iloilo development platform.
“I am thankful to the people of Iloilo for giving me a partner in governance in the last three years of my term,” Defensor said following Debuque’s victory. “It is important to have a vice governor who shares our vision and is ready to work with the executive to deliver results.”
Debuque, the 31-year-old outgoing mayor of Anilao, garnered 567,153 votes compared to Tupas’ 518,714, based on partial and unofficial results.
Defensor emphasized that aligning legislative support is essential to completing the province-wide programs already in motion.
“We have a legislative agenda that should ideally support the executive’s priorities. The Local Government Code encourages this alignment,” he noted.
He added that while he would not make promises, he would repay the people’s trust with hard work.
“Let us exchange this trust for diligence and excellent public service, as we’ve done in the past five years,” said Defensor.
For her part, Debuque thanked the Ilonggos for the opportunity to serve on a larger scale, promising not to let them down.
“I am deeply grateful for this chance you’ve given me. You have accepted me, and I won’t fail you,” she said during a press conference on May 13.
She also thanked Governor Defensor for introducing her to voters across the province. “I am grateful to my partner in good governance—Gov. Toto Defensor—for bringing me around the province and presenting me to our fellow Ilonggos.”
Debuque dismissed concerns about her age, saying her youth is an advantage.
“I have the stamina to go around the province. I believe our fellow Ilonggos have shown that the youth have a rightful place in public service,” she stressed.
A graduate of Industrial Pharmacy, Debuque said she hopes to support Defensor’s health programs, and also wants to focus on tourism and education.
“We want to complement the programs sustained by Gov. Toto,” she added.
Meanwhile, Cong. Tupas conceded defeat and released a statement respecting the will of the majority.
“The people have spoken, and their decision must be respected,” Tupas said. “Defeat is part of the democratic process, and I extend my congratulations to Vice Governor-elect Lee Ann Debuque and Gov. Toto Defensor. They now deserve our support to do what’s right for the province.”
Tupas said he remained committed to public service alongside his wife, Provincial Board member Binky Tupas, who won the congressional seat in the 5th District./PN
