Batocabe’s widow casts vote in Daraga

FILE PHOTO: Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe and wife Gertrudes pose for a photo after the lawmaker filed his certificate for candidacy for the Daraga mayoralty. (Photo courtesy of KIEL BATOCABE)

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — The widow of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe cast her vote in Bañag Elementary School in Daraga town in Albay for the midterm local and national elections.

“Talagang andiyan yung sakit, yung pait pero we move forward, haharapin ko po nang maayos ano man po ang resulta ng eleksyon, (The pain is there, the bitterness [of losing my husband] but we move forward. I will face whatever the result of this election),” said Gertrudes Batocabe, who took her husband’s place in the Daraga mayoral race against incumbent Carlwyn Baldo and vice mayor Victor Perete.

Gertrudes was with her sons Justin and Kiel Marc.

Meanwhile, Baldo, who is detained at the Legazpi City jail for allegedly masterminding the killing of Batocabe, has waived his right to vote.