Yap edges out Duterte ally in Bohol governorship race

Outgoing Bohol Rep. Arthur Yap (center) is proclaimed the winner of the governorship race in the province. INQUIRER VISAYAS / LEO UDTOHAN

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines – Outgoing Rep. Arthur Yap of Bohol’s 3rd district is now the new governor of the province.

He defeated former Cabinet secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. by about 2,000 votes. He got 326,895 votes, while Evasco received 324,734 votes.

Yap, who was with wife Carol and some supporters, was proclaimed at 3 a.m. on Thursday after the canvassing of the returns from Panglao town, the last municipality to submit the election returns due to defective SD cards.

“I thank the Boholanos for giving me the opportunity to serve them. It’s a big pride for me and my family,” Yap who said in the vernacular.

Also proclaimed as vice governor-elect was outgoing Rep. Rene Relampagos of Bohol’s 1st district. (Editor: Cenon B. Bibe Jr.)