‘Narcopols’ in Calabarzon: Some lost, some won
SAN PEDRO CITY — Allegations of involvement in the illegal drugs trade failed to stop some candidates from winning in the local race in Calabarzon.
Of the alleged “narcopoliticans,” based on the lists and issuances by the national government from 2016, only outgoing Rodriguez, Rizal mayor Cecilio “Elyong” Hernandez lost.
Hernandez, who was on his third term, ran for vice mayor but lost by 8,418 votes to administration bet Anecito Lirazan.
But all is not lost for the Hernandezes with son, former vice mayor Dennis Hernandez, having won the mayoral race with 40,527 votes against independent candidate, Romy Grecia with 38,524 votes.
Both Cecilio and Hernandez’s names appeared in the March list released by President Duterte.
Still in Rizal, second district board member Rommel Ayuson of the Nacionalist People’s Coalition (NPC) was reelected.
Also reelected was Teresa mayor Raul Palino of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) with 16,671 votes against Romy Coralde with 11,980 votes.
Laguna, Batangas
In Laguna, San Pablo City mayor Loreto Amante was reelected with 68,378 votes against PDP-Laban candidate Ares Escudero with 35,672 votes.
Los Baños mayor Cesar Perez is up for another term after defeating Budjong Balasoto by 5,895 votes.
Neither Bay mayor Bruno Ramos nor Ibaan, Batangas mayor Danny Toreja run in this election.
In Lemery, mayor Eulalio Alillio garnered 25,330 votes against PDP-Laban bet Norly Solis with 17,910 votes.
In Bauan, Ryanh Dolor won with 21,470 votes against contender Johnny Magboo who got 20,947 votes.
Dolor’s name was included in the initial list of narcopoliticians released in 2016 but was later taken out, after the mayor sought out former Police Director General and senator-elect Ronald dela Rosa to clear his name.
All the officials, in several Inquirer interviews, have denied any drug link. (Editor: Leti Z. Boniol)
