ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The province of Zamboanga Sibugay has a new governor after the provincial board of canvassers proclaimed a town mayor who defeated incumbent Gov. Rommel Jalosjos in the gubernatorial race.
Diplahan Mayor Wilter Palma was proclaimed Tuesday night at the provincial canvassing center in Ipil town, lawyer Oliver Alar, head of the provincial board of canvassers, said.
Alar said Palma garnered 118,575 votes while Jalosjos got 113,616. Early canvassing showed a neck-to-neck battle between the two candidates.
Jalosjos’ brother, reelectionist second district Rep. Romeo Jalosjos Jr. was defeated by Ann Hofer.
Jalosjos’ party mates in the vice gubernatorial, first district congressional and provincial board seat races were winning.
Incumbent first district Rep. Belma Cabilao, an ally of Jalosjos, trounced Palma’s son, Wilter II.