Re-electionists dominate Zambales polls

IBA, Zambales — Candidates seeking re-election for top political positions in Zambales proved unstoppable in the May 12 polls, as they asserted dominance in the provincial, municipal and congressional levels.

Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., who sought and won his third consecutive term, garnered 306,367 votes, or 90.85% of the total. His lone opponent, Ayta leader Chito Balintay who ran as an independent candidate, received 30,857 votes, or 9.15%.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Jacqueline Khonghun (Lakas), who was Ebdane’s running-mate in the last two elections, ran unopposed and obtained 279,807 votes. 

Also re-elected was her brother, Zambales First District Rep. Jay Khonghun (Lakas), who got 160,887 votes while also running unopposed.

In the Second Legislative District, incumbent Congresswoman Doris “Bing” Maniquiz (Lakas), regained her seat with 173,0743 votes (68.41%) by beating former 2nd District Representative Cheryl Deloso-Montalla (NPC), who got 79,928 votes (31.59%).

Re-electionists also lorded it over in the fight for provincial board seats. Ike Delgado (SZP), with 64,243 votes in the First District, and SZP incumbent board members Jun Rundstedt Ebdane with 158,804 votes; Reena Mae Collado, 137,615; Samantha Ablola, 123,806; Jim Abasta, 110,623; and Reynaldo Tarongoy, 86,847.

Only four non-incumbents made it into the provincial legislature: Jury Deloso (NPC), with 112,502 votes; Eric Matibag (SZP), 100,127; Cecil Felarca-Rafanan (SZP), 68,244; and Elmer Tumaca (SZP), 57,734.

Similarly, most of the mayoralty winners were re-electionists: Jon Khonghun (SZP) in Subic town; Jeffrey Khonghun (NP), Castillejos; Arvin Antipolo (SZP), San Antonio; La Rainne Sarmiento (PF), San Narciso; Hart Jeresano (SZP), San Felipe; Jun Omar Ebdane (SZP), Botolan; Irene Maniquiz (SZP), Iba; Byron Jones Edquilang (MKMAZA), Candelaria; and Consolacion Marty (RP), Sta. Cruz.

Other mayoralty winners simply switched places with their next of kin: former mayor Elvis Soria (SZP), who substituted for brother Elmer in San Marcelino town; former mayor Ronald Apostol (SZP), who replaced wife Joy in Cabangan; Christian Aceron (SZP), who replaced father Billy, who slid down to vice-mayor post in Palauig; and Hazel Lim (NPC), who replaced mother Arsenia, who settled for vice mayoralty in Masinloc.

The winners were proclaimed by Comelec officials early Tuesday morning, May 13.