LP dominates key positions in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Liberal Party emerged as the dominant political group in the last May 13 elections with most of its candidates and allies winning the key positions in Cebu province.

LP lawyer Democrito Barcenas considered the party to have won the jackpot prize with governor-elect Hilario “Junjun” Davide, III, and acting Governor Agnes Magpale winning the top two positions in the province.

Davide defeated suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s brother and third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia with a margin of close to 200,000 votes. Davide garnered total of 654,054 votes while Garcia only had 490,148 votes.

LP has also dominated the seats in the provincial board with eight of its candidates winning out of the 12 seats up for grab. They are board member-elect Raul Alcoseba; reelected PB member Peter John Calderon and PB member-elect Christopher Baricuatro of the second district; board member-elect Grecilda Sanchez of the third district; reelected member Thaddeus Jude Sybico and board member-elect Miguel Antonio Magpale of the fifth district; and reelected member Thadeo Ouano and Arleigh Jay Sitoy of the sixth district.

The ruling administration party also has 26 mayors while the One Cebu Party has 24. Two independent candidates won the last elections. (see table)

“Assuming that we lost in the third congressional and fourth district, these are merely consolation prizes for them. The major jackpot prize is the governorship,” Barcenas said.

Reelectionist Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, a member of One Cebu Party-United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), won against former Bogo City mayor Celestino “Tining” Martinez, III.

Aside from the governorship, Barcenas claimed that they have captured major areas and some districts.

In the second district, outgoing Provincial Board Member Wilfredo Caminero defeated the patriarch of the Garcias, Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia in the congressional race.

Another LP bets who won the congressional race are Felix Joseph “Ace” Durano of the fifth district, and Gabriel Luis “Luigi Quisumbing of the sixth district.

First district congressman-elect Gerald Anthony “Sam-Sam” Gullas Jr. of Alayon Party in the first district is an ally of One Cebu.—(FREEMAN)