Incumbent officials rule poll races in Aklan, Guimaras

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Incumbent officials in Aklan and Guimaras have reasserted their dominance after winning in different races in last week’s elections.

Voting for the first time with a new legislative district, Aklanons elected incumbent officials in key posts in the province.

Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores was reelected for a third term after beating Kalibo Mayor William Lachica and two other candidates.

Also reelected was Vice Gov. Reynaldo Quimpo.

New district

Former Kasangga party list Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. became the first representative of the second congressional district of Aklan after beating Ana Victoria Ramos and two other candidates.

The second legislative district was created last year and is composed of the towns of Buruanga, Ibajay, Lezo, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Nabas, Numancia and Tangalan.

Aklan Rep. Carlito Marquez was reelected representative of the first congressional district, composed of the capital town of Kalibo and Altavas, Balete, Banga, Batan, Libacao, Madalag and New Washington towns.

Marquez beat Antonio Maming.

In Guimaras, candidates of the administration party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), swept the elections.

Landslide victory

Gov. Samuel Gumarin and Vice Gov. John Edward Gando were reelected by a landslide.

Guimaras Rep. Lucille Nava also won by a large margin over Henry Babiera and Davis Columna.

PDP-Laban members also won all eight seats of the provincial board and the mayoral races in all five municipalities.

Reelected mayors were Eugenio Reyes (Buenavista), Ruben Corpuz (Jordan), Emmanuel Galila (Nueva Valencia) and Ninfa Gajo (San Lorenzo).

Corpuz defeated former Gov. Felipe Nava, who was eyeing a political comeback.

Annabelle Vilches-Samaniego will succeed her brother, Luben Vilches, as mayor of Sibunag town. Luben won as member of the provincial board.