Neophyte wins Rizal congressional seat

MANILA, Philippines — A neophyte politician has won the congressional race in the second district of Rizal.

Fidel Nograles of the NPC-PDP Laban coalition beat Maridee Rodriguez, wife of incumbent Rep. Jun Rodriguez.

Nograles garnered 210,710 votes. Rodriguez had 137,567. 

During his proclamation, Nograles  said he worked hard for every vote he obtained. He said there was no “magic” involved in his victory over the powerful Rodriguez clan.

“No magic formula for me. I just talked to the residents of Rizal, who shared their problems regarding basic living conditions. I told them I would try to help,” he said.

Nograles, one of the youngest lawmakers in the incoming Congress, said he would work hard for the redistricting of the second district.

The district is composed of the towns of Baras, Cardona, Jalajala, Morong, Pililia, Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), San Mateo, Tanay and Teresa. When combined, it has a total population of over 700,000.

“This will be my priority bill. With more representations, the people will be able to enjoy more projects that will uplift their living conditions,” he said.

Nograles finished his Masters in Law from Harvard University.

He said Harvard strengthened the spirit of leader-servanthood in him that was inculcated by his Jesuit education in Ateneo. 

“A true leader is a servant of the poor,” he said.