Del Mar, Abellanosa reelected

CEBU, Philippines — The incumbent representatives of the north and south districts of Cebu City won with a huge margin against their opponents in the recently-concluded midterm elections.

Yesterday, the Board of Canvassers headed by North District Election Officer Chaunsey Boholst proclaimed north district Representatives Raul del Mar and south district Representative Rodrigo Abellanosa.

Del Mar got 135,528 votes while Abellanosa got 163,247 votes.

“Victory after a long and tough campaign is a source of pride and humbling all at once. The huge majority vote must affirm that most of my constituents believe that I have been doing something good in my work,” Del Mar said.

Del Mar, who will start his ninth term, said he is grateful for the fresh mandate given by his constituents, adding that he must work harder and do better for his district, the city, and the country.

There are 348 clustered precincts with 325,577 registered voters.

Only 241,039 voters have exercised their right to suffrage during last Monday’s elections.

Del Mar’s opponents were way behind the veteran politician.

The opposition candidate against Del Mar is businessman and actor Richard

Yap who gathered 81,575 votes.

Other candidates for the north district representative are Florencio Villarin, who got 2,244, and Boboy Dungog, who got 1,609 votes.

Yap, for his part, thanked all the Cebuanos who supported and trusted him despite not winning in the congressional race.

“Although we were not given the chance to serve Cebu at this time, our thrust remains that we will continue to fight for the vision of a better and more progressive Cebu –a city that we can all be proud of,” he told The FREEMAN.

As for the south district (unofficial as of 6 p.m.), Abellanosa got a convincing win over City Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera who only got 103,524 votes.

“Of course, I’m very thankful to all our constituents whether they voted for me or not. For the third time, I am given this opportunity to represent in the House of Representatives south district of Cebu,” Abellanosa told The FREEMAN.

He vowed to continue delivering the services that he has started in the past two terms.

Abellanosa said one of the priority legislations that he will focus on is the bill that will regulate the habal-habal operations in the whole country and to allow the motor taxis to be considered as public utility vehicle.

As of 6 p.m., at least 410 of 411 clustered precincts were successfully transmitted. Of the 384,031 total number of registered voters, only 298,214 voters have cast their votes.

Pesquera, for her part, thanked her supporters for considering her.

Even if she is not elected, she said she is confident that the city is in good hands with the new leadership of mayor-elect Edgardo Labella and vice mayor-elect Michael Rama.

“To all who supported me and voted for me, kindly accept my heartfelt gratitude. Together we can make great things happen again in Cebu City,” Pesquera said. — MBG (FREEMAN)