Gatchalian leads in Valenzuela

Namfrel’s record shows Gatchalian garnering a total of 39,921 votes followed closely by Magi Gunigundo of Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) with 33,534 votes and Lakas party bet Rita Carlos, wife of incumbent Mayor Jose Emmanuel Carlos, with 31,081 votes.

In the vice mayoralty race, leading on the Namfrel’s list was Tony Espiritu (NPC), 54,621 votes, followed by Rey Cuadra (Lakas) with 28,586 and Bombit Bernardo (LDP) with 17,808 votes.

In the first district congressional seat, incumbent Mayor Carlos of Lakas leads with 22,493 votes, followed by Rex Gatchalian (NPC) with 21,680, and Tony Bularan of LDP 11,316.

In the second district, Tony Serapio (NPC) leads with 17,291, followed by Sonny Tiquia (Lakas) 16,715 and Pablo Lucas, 14,406 votes.

The city’s board of election canvassers has yet to provide Valenzuela residents with the official results. Security at the Valenzuela City canvassing center, observers noted were much stricter than that in Comelec-controlled Malabon City.

Reporters were barred by the security officers from entering the premises of the canvassing center despite presenting Comelec-issued IDs. – Pete Laude