GUIMARAS – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has proclaimed the winners of the 2019 midterm elections in this island province.
Gov. Samuel Gumarin of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) bagged a fresh mandate to serve the Guimarasnons in a landslide victory over opponent Boy Gareza.
For his third consecutive term as governor, Gumarin amassed 76,905 votes while Gareza garnered 4,990 votes.
It was a resounding win, too, for PDP-Laban’s Cong. Ma. Lucille L. Nava (75,295 votes) who defeated opponents Henry Babiera (8,760) and Davis Columna (2,425).
Incumbent vice governor John Edward Gando knocked his rival also, Atty. Vicente de Asis.
Gando garnered over 56,616 votes; De Asis had 24,581 votes.
The party’s candidates also won seats in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Cyril Beltran, Aurelio Tionado, Rex Fernandez, and Raymond Gavileño won in the 1st Provincial District while David Gano, Luben Vilches, Diosdado Gonzaga, and Josefina De La Cruz dominated the2nd Provincial District.
PDP-Laban bets for mayor in Guimaras’ five municipalities also emerged victorious.
Incumbent Mayor Eugenio Reyes defeated adversaries Marlon Constantino and Jeremy Gabrillo.
Former governor Felipe Hilan Nava failed in his political comeback bid. Incumbent Mayor Ruben Corpuz defeated him in the mayoralty race in the municipality of Jordan by 807 votes.
Mayor Emmanuel Galila remains as local chief executive of the municipality of Nueva Valencia as well as Mayor Ninfa Gajo of San Lorenzo.
Meanwhile, Annabelle Samaniego will take over the seat of his brother, Mayor Luben Vilches, as new mayor of the town of Sibunag.
Gumarin extended a message of reconciliation to opponents and expressed gratitude to the Guimarasnons.
“Nagapasalamat ako sa bilog nga pumuluyo sang Guimaras sa pagtib-ong liwat sang amon kandidatura. Ako subong nagapanawagan nga let’s just give peace a chance,” said Gumarin.
Furthermore, he assured that the victory of their slate will fuel a more robust Guimaras.
“Bangud sa pag-isa naton, magapag-on kag magalig-on pa gid ang development nga na-eksperyensiyahan sang bug-os nga probinsiya. Rest assured nga kun ano kami sang nagligad, with our new mandates bululigan naton liwat tib-ong ang aton probinsiya padulong sa masanag nga palaabuton,” Gumarin added./PN
