14 candidates proclaimed ahead of other winners

CEBU, Philippines - At least 14 winning candidates in Cebu Province have been proclaimed yesterday ahead of the others after the remaining vote certificates that are yet to be transmitted to the Provincial Board of Canvassers will no longer affect their lead.

Among those proclaimed was reelectionist Vice Governor Agnes Magpale who had a margin of 209,000 votes against her challenger, former Sixth District representative Nerissa Soon-Ruiz.

Magpale obtained a total 663,047 votes while Ruiz only had 463,730 votes.

PBOC also proclaimed reelectionist Congressman Samsam Gullas as winner in the first congressional district. Gullas garnered a total of 186,091 votes while his opponent, San Fernando Mayor Abe Canoy, got 92,589.

Representative Gwendolyn Garcia was also given a fresh mandate with a wide margin of 57,074 votes against her challenger, Board Member Grecilda Sanchez Zaballero.

Garcia had a total of 140, 097 votes against Zaballero’s 83,023 votes. Fourth District Representative Benhur Salimbangon also won another term with 135,437 votes against Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez who had 86,836 votes.

Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon ‘Red” Durano was also proclaimed congressman-elect of the fifth district with 172,659 votes against Gilbert Wagas with 24,425 votes.

Provincial Board Member Peter John Calderon also won as the first district congressman of the newly created Seventh District with 48,669 votes over Pablo John Garcia's 36,311 votes.

Calderon was proclaimed ahead even if the election results from Malabuyoc are yet to be canvassed.

Acting Provincial Election Supervisor Eliseo Labaria said the turnout of votes in Malabuyoc will no longer affect the 14,000-vote lead of Calderon because the town only has 12,814 registered voters.

"It's a sure win. Results from Malabuyoc will not matter because the margin is greater than the number of voters," Labaria said.

At least eight Provincial Board members from 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th districts were also proclaimed.

Yoly Daan (135,555) and Raul Bacaltos (105,271) won as board members representing first district. Victoria “Tata” Corominas and Alex Binghay will represent third district in the PB. Sun Shimura was reelected while Raci Franco also won for the fourth district.

Miguel Magpale and Jude Sybico were both reelected as PB members representing fifth district.

PBOC may proclaim the rest of the winning candidates today including the governor.

Incumbent Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is leading with 594,273 votes against his opponent Winston Garcia, who had 578,912 votes, as of 5:30 p.m. yesterday. Garcia, however, had already conceded to Davide.

"To be the governor of Cebu today is not in God's plan. I congratulate Governor Davide on his victory," Winston posted on Facebook.

"My journey to the gubernatorial race began with a dream for Cebu. It is now clear that with all the provincial ballots counted, we cannot win this election. This is the will of the people and I respect the will of the Cebuanos," he added.

Winston also called on the Cebuanos to unite behind Davide and start mending differences brought about by the divisive elections.

“I wish him and his family the best. I urge all the Cebuanos to join me not just in congratulating him but in uniting behind the Governor, to find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences, and leave our children and grandchildren a better Cebu than we inherited,” Winston said.

Despite Winston’s conceding defeat to Davide, Labaria said they could not make a proclamation because results from Santander, Cordova, and Malabuyoc could still affect the standing of the two candidates. The three towns have 58,664 combined voting population.

"Ma siguro na proclaim ugma. Wa miy basis to proclaim gud kay mo matter pa (ang) number of votes," he said. — (FREEMAN)