Ortegas still powerful in La Union

SAN FERNANDO, La Union , Philippines  – The Ortega clan continues to enjoy its political supremacy in La Union as eight family members have been proclaimed after they won overwhelmingly in Monday’s balloting.

Re-electionist first district Rep. Victor Ortega, who was unopposed, and his younger brothers Gov. Manuel Ortega and board members Francisco Ortega Jr. and Pepe Ortega were proclaimed by the provincial board of canvassers.

Manuel got 250,821 votes against the 86,198 votes of his opponent, former second district congressman Tomas Dumpit Sr., while Francisco and Pepe got the most and second most number of votes in the provincial board race.

Another brother, San Fernando City Mayor Pablo Ortega, won his second term, while his son, Paolo, ranked second among the 12 councilors-elect in this city.

Also proclaimed were Alfred Ortega, the governor’s son, as the top councilor here, and councilor Jayjay Ortega-Orros, a cousin.

Meanwhile, Dr. Eufranio Eriguel, a staunch Ortega ally, was also proclaimed as second district congressman, beating Rep. Tomas Dumpit Jr.

Eriguel’s wife Sandra, incumbent Agoo mayor, beat for the second time Tess Dumpit-Michelena, daughter of Dumpit Sr.

Other Dumpits who lost in the election were mayoral bets Teodore Dumpit in Rosario town, Romina Joya Dumpit-Hidalgo in Bauang town, and Azalea Dumpit-Hidalgo in Naguilian town.

Also defeated were Ma. Concepcion Dumpit-Hidalgo for board member, and Ma. Alexandra Dumpit-Michelena and Julius Dumpit, both for councilors.