Ex-PNP chaplain elected mayor in Southern Leyte

MANILA, Philippines — A former head of the chaplain services of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been elected mayor of Francisco town in Southern Leyte.

Retired Brig. Gen. Jason Ortizo won in a tightly contested mayoralty race in his hometown.

He won by a narrow margin of only 19 votes against his opponent, Erasmo Damolo Jr.

Ortizo garnered 4,669 votes while Damolo received 4,650.

The race for vice mayor was also tight, with Fe Maruhom winning by 4,684 votes against her rival, Bene Tiaozon’s 4,518 or a margin of only 166 votes.

Ortizo was suspended as a priest after he filed his candidacy for the midterm elections.

He served as PNP chaplain for over two decades, celebrating masses in the police force.

In a post on social media, Ortizo thanked his townmates for giving him a chance to serve as their mayor.

Marcoses dominate Ilocos Norte polls

In Ilocos Norte, the Marcos clan and their allies dominated the midterm elections, based on official results released by the Provincial Board of Canvassers.

Incumbent Vice Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos was elected governor, switching positions with Gov. Matthew Marcos-Manotoc who won as vice governor.

Araneta-Marcos is the widow of former board member Mariano Marcos II, who is a cousin of President Marcos.

Manotoc is the son of Sen. Imee Marcos.

The President’s son, Sandro, secured another term as representative of the first district of Ilocos Norte.

Sandro’s uncle, Angelo Barba, was reelected congressman in the second district.

“Now the work begins for the best of our province,” Araneta-Marcos said in her speech after her proclamation as the new governor.

Manotoc ran unopposed while Araneta-Marcos was challenged by an independent candidate, Arlene Jocelyn Butay of San Nicolas town.