Re-electionist Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez lead their closest rivals in the official tally of the Commission on Elections from results coming from 11 towns counted so far by the provincial board of canvassers.
Garcia has garnered 73,579 votes and is ahead by about 54,000 votes over Rep. Antonio Yapha, who amassed 18,785 votes so far.
Garcia and Sanchez won in all the 11 towns that have been canvassed.
Sanchez so far garnered 54,185 votes as against the 20,449 votes of Rep. Clavel Martinez.
Garcia and Sanchez won even in the towns believed to be part of the bailiwicks of Martinez and Yapha.
The re-electionist provincial officials won in the town of Santa Fe, which is believed to be a stronghold of the Martinez family since it is part of the 4th District.
Garcia won by 4,000 votes over Yapha in that town located in Bantayan Island, which was put under Comelec control due to the heated political rivalry.
The killing of mayoralty bet Rogelio Illustrisimo, Sr. days before the election was one of the reasons why the police recommended putting the entire island of Bantayan under Comelec control.
Garcia got a total of 6,219 votes in that municipality against only 2,041 for Yapha. Sanchez, on the other hand got a total of 4,797 votes against the 2,851 of Martinez.
The other towns whose votes have already been canvassed are Aloguinsan, Pilar, Tabuelan, Alcantara, Samboan, Ronda, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Oslob, and San Francisco.
The board of canvassers was scheduled to resume its work late last night.
The election returns from 36 towns and five component cities are yet to be canvassed.
Meanwhile, the father and brother of the governor, who are seeking the congressional seats in the 2nd and 3rd districts respectively, are already claiming victory.
Former Governor Pablo Garcia, Gwen’s father, said that based on their unofficial count he has won by at least 35,000 votes over closest rival PB Member Carmiano Kintanar.
Pablo John, Gwen’s brother, also claim victory over PB Member Estrella Yapha by a margin of 15,000 votes. — Fred P. Languido and Cristina V. Roso/NLQ