From Senate halls to provincial capitol: Escudero wins Sorsogon gubernatorial race

MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero was successful in his gubernatorial bid after besting seven other candidates for the top government spot in the province of Sorsogon.

Escudero, who garnered 303,960 votes, was proclaimed as Sorsogon governor Tuesday afternoon. He ran under the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

He defeated Bladi Frivaldo (31,867 votes), Redentor Guyala (2,985 votes), Pads Galindes (2,550 votes), Lady Gabarda (2,084 votes), Nestor Gotis (1,838 votes), Mike Lopez (1,163 votes) and Mandy Lucila (694 votes).

His running mate, Wowo Fortes, also won in the vice gubernatorial race.

Escudero’s term as a senator will end in June.

Prior to his Senate stint, Escudero served as the representative of Sorsogon’s first district. In the 2016 national elections, he ran but lost in the vice presidential race.