CITY OF ILAGAN — Members of the Dy clan retained their political rule in Isabela province with at least 10 of them holding key local positions.
Gov. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III was proclaimed vice governor-elect, beating former governor and radio broadcaster, Maria Gracia Cielo Padaca.
His son, Francis Faustino “Kiko” Dy, was unopposed in the mayoral race in Echague town. Another son, Inno, won in the sixth district.
In the third district, Alicia Mayor Ian Paul Dy, son of Rep. Napoleon Dy and nephew of Governor Dy III, was also reelected.
San Manuel Mayor Faustino Michael Dy III was elected representative in the fifth district.
Cauayan City Mayor Bernard Faustino Dy ran unopposed.
King Dy was elected new San Manuel mayor. He replaced his nephew, Faustino Michael Dy III.
Benben Dy, son of the late Gov. Benjamin Dy, was the top councilor in Cabatuan town.
The Dys’ reign could be traced to political kingpin Faustino Dy Sr., who ruled the province for more than two decades. He died in October 1993 at the age of 68.
Their dominance in the local politics was only cut short in 2004 when Padaca won over then Gov. Faustino Dy Jr.
Political allies
Members of the Albano clan are the Dys’ political allies, ruling the province for nearly a decade.
Rep. Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano III won as governor while his brother, Vice Gov. Tonypet Albano, won in the congressional race for the first district.
A brother-in-law, lawyer Christopher Mamauag, was reelected Cabagan town mayor. —VILLAMOR VISAYA JR.