Alayon-NP merger still dominant in first district

CEBU, Philippines - The Alayon Party-Nacionalista Party in the Cebu’s first district has emerged a force to reckon with even if its founding chairman first district Representative Eduardo Gullas lost the mayoralty race by a slim margin in Talisay City. 

As shown by the result of last Monday’s voting, the Alayon-NP coalition is still dominant in the district. 

In Minglanilla town, Alayon-NP Vice Mayor Elanito Peña and municipal councilor Roberty John Selam won as mayor and vice mayor against Liberal Party candidates. 

Incumbent Mayor Eduardo Selma won a council seat. 

Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong, who is the incumbent, was given a fresh mandate against Independent mayoralty candidate Junior Canoneo.

Naga City Vice Mayor Delfin Señor ran unopposed. 

In Carcar City, Nicepuro Apura also won against his primary opponent, city councilor Roberto Aleonar, Jr., while Apura’s running mate, Patrick Barcenas ran unopposed. 

Sibonga Mayor Lionel Bacaltos won against independent candidate Eutiquio Villacura, Jr. while Cirilo Apuda ran without any opponent. 

There are six local government units in the first district which comprise the cities of Talisay, Naga, and Carcar, and the towns of Minglanilla, San Fernando, and Sibonga. 

Of the six, only Talisay City and San Fernando town were dominated by the Liberal Party. 

Businessman Johnny de los Reyes won against Gullas 39,453 votes against 38,717, the margin being only 736 votes.

In San Fernando, Mayor-elect Antonio “Abe” Canoy and his son and running mate Micko, were elected mayor and vice-mayor, respectively.

The Canoys are identified with the Liberal Party. 

The Canoys beat former mayor Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya and Ricardo “Nonoy” Reluya, who is also the Panadtaran barangay captain, who ran for mayor and vice mayor, respectively.

Abe got 16,187 votes, or a margin of only 177, against Neneth’s 16,010 votes while Micko garnered 16,333 votes, or 865 votes more than Nonoy’s 15,468 votes.

In the 2010 elections, Neneth lost in the mayoral race after getting 14,055 votes.

Abe was declared winner after garnering 15,329 or a margin of 1,271 votes.  (FREEMAN)