Newsmen fail to win in Caraga

SANTIAGO, Agusan del Norte — At least seven journalists who tried their luck in the May 10 polls ended up losing to seasoned politicians in their respective areas.

The Agusan del Norte office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), meanwhile, proclaimed Earlpe John Amante and provincial board member Dale Corvera as the new governor and vice governor, respectively, the other day.

Amante replaced her sister, Maria Angelica Rossdel Amante, who was proclaimed as the province’s new second district congresswoman.

The Amantes are children of former Executive Secretary and Rep. Edelmiro Amante, who has retired from politics at age 78.

Former dxBR Bombo Radyo station manager Norbert Pagaspas lost to Corvera by a wide margin.

Another media casualty was broadcaster Pepe Dedumo who ran — and lost — in his bid to be this town’s vice mayor.

ABS-CBN Butuan TV personality Antonio Café III and Bombo Radyo Butuan broadcaster trailed behind in the race for the Butuan City council, while veteran newsman-broadcaster Mario Lumanao lost in his vice mayoral bid in Tandag, Surigao del Sur.

Also trounced in their first foray in politics were dxBC-RMN reporter Gerry Campos, who ran for councilor of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, and publisher Felix Villacastin, president of the Mindanao Media Association, who sought the Butuan City mayorship.