Revilla not Cavite’s top senatorial choice

MANILA, Philippines — While some candidates easily won and topped the senatorial race in their bailiwicks, former Sen. Ramong “Bong” Revilla Jr. apparently failed to convince even his home province that he should again serve in the Senate.

Revilla, who has been implicated in the P10-billion pork barrel scam and was accused of embezzling P224.5 million in government funds, landed on the eighth spot, based on the partial and unofficial results of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting from Cavite province on Tuesday.

Reelectionist Senators Cynthia Villar and Grace Poe, and former Tagaytay City Mayor Francis Tolentino were the top winners in the vote-rich province.

Also ahead of Revilla were Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, reelectionist Sen. Sonny Angara, who hails from Aurora, as well as former presidential aide Bong Go, and former chief of the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Corrections, Bato dela Rosa, who are both from Davao.

Other contenders

Cavite is considered Revilla’s bailiwick as he and his family have served the province over the past two decades in various capacities, from barangay captain to mayor and governor.

Though Cavite did not have Revilla on top of its list, the province’s more than 500,000 votes were still crucial in helping the actor-turned-politician secure his third term at the Senate.

Other senatorial contenders counted on the loyalty of their respective provinces to win the midterm elections.

In Ilocos Norte, Gov. Imee Marcos handily won in her father’s home province, where the Marcos name also spelled victory for her son, Matthew Manotoc, who ran as the sole governatorial candidate.

Davao City, the bailiwick of the Dutertes, delivered a decisive win for Hugpong ng Pagbabago, whose campaign manager is presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

While the Duterte administration has been slammed for the slow rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi, the city still voted for seven of the administration’s candidates.

Not surprisingly, Otso Diretso won in Naga City, Vice President Leni Robredo’s hometown.