Lucy Torres spends P.2 M in May elections

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, of the fourth district of Leyte, spent P202,473 to win against Ormoc Mayor Eric Codilla, who spent P561,200 in the last elections, according to the Statement of Election Contributions and Expenses (SECE) they filed with the Leyte Provincial Elections Office.

Lucy’s husband, Richard, declared spending P210,751.10 for his campaign while mayor-elect Edward Codilla spent P306,391.79.

First District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez was said to be the biggest spender at P727,000.

Ormoc vice mayor-elect Leo Carmelo Locsin spent P124,823.92 to clinch victory in a three-way race while former city administrator Dennis Capuyan reportedly spent only P96,171. Outgoing Councilor Claudio Larrazabal declared spending P266,611.08 in his SECE.

Gov. Leopoldo Dominico Loreto Petilla declared spending P752,276. Like Romualdez, he was unopposed for the gubernatorial post.

Petilla’s cousin, Vice Gov. Carlo Petilla, was said to be the biggest spender in the province, reporting a total of P1.17 million in his SECE.

In Tacloban City, Mayor Alfred Romualdez’s SECE shows he spent P276,599.22 while his wife, Cristina, reported spending P126,078 during the elctions.

Twelve candidates for the provincial posts did not file their SECEs.