Defensor, Biron, Garin clans dominate Iloilo polls

ILOILO CITY – Political clans continued to dominate Iloilo politics based on results of Monday’s midterm elections.

Iloilo Rep. Arthur Defensor Jr. was proclaimed winner in Iloilo’s gubernatorial race on Thursday, defeating fellow congressman Ferjenel Biron.

Defensor got 479,081 votes against Biron’s 391,403 votes or a margin of 87,678 votes.

Defensor will succeed his father and namesake, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor who is serving his third term.

Defensor’s brother provincial board member Lorenz Defensor will succeed him as representative of Iloilo’s third congressional district.

Provincial board member Defensor won by a landslide against fellow board member Emmanuel Gallar.

While Biron lost the gubernatorial race for the second time, his son, Mayor Braden John Biron of Barotac Nuevo will succeed him as representative of the province’s fourth congressional district.

Mayor Biron defeated lawyer Marven Daquilanea by a wide margin.

Another son of Biron, provincial board member Bryant Paul won in the mayoralty race in Barotac Nuevo and will replace his younger brother.

Bryant Paul’s grandfather, former mayor Hernan Biron Sr. will serve as the town’s vice mayor.

The Garin clan also maintained their political clout with Vice Gov. Christine Garin reelected into office.

Her father, Oscar “Oca” Garin Sr. and mothern Ninfa Garin ran unopposed as mayors of Guimbal and San Joaquin towns.

Her younger sister, Jennifer Garin also ran unopposed as Guimbal vice mayor.

Former health secretary Janette Garin will replace her husband as Iloilo first district congressman, a post she has previously held.

Iloilo Rep. Raul Tupas was also reelected, beating his elder brother Niel “Jun Jun” Tupas Jr.   (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)