Villanueva, brother-in-law win top posts in Bulacan town

Mayor-elect Eduardo “JJV” Villanueva Jr. (center, wearing black shirt) and vice mayor-elect Sherwin Tugna (2nd from left) of Bocaue town in Bulacan province are being proclaimed winners in the local elections. (Photo by Carmela Reyes-Estrope)

BOCAUE, Bulacan — Former Mayor Eduardo Villanueva Jr. successfully staged a comeback after winning the mayoral race in this town.

Villanueva’s running mate and brother-in-law, Sherwin Tugna, also won in the local elections.

Both were officially proclaimed at dawn on Tuesday.

Villanueva obtained 35,488 votes, defeating rival and incumbent Mayor Jose “JJS” Santiago, who garnered 31,550 votes.

Tugna, husband of late Bocaue mayor Joni Villanueva, got 43,001 votes and won against rival and former Bocaue councilor Kenneth Valdez, who received 21, 181 votes.

Villanueva is the eldest son of Bro. Eddie Villanueva, founder and leader of the Christian group “Jesus Is Lord” and the elder brother of reelectionist Senator Joel Villanueva.