‘FRESH MANDATE’: Baronda-Treñas-Ganzon bound to dominate Iloilo City Hall

By Joseph B.A. Marzan and Glazyl Y. Masculino

What was predicted by many will be affirmed – that Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas’ Team Uswag will continue to dominate the city’s political landscape after the 2022 elections.

Partial and unofficial results transmitted by 463 of the 505 clustered precincts in the city as of 10 p.m. Monday indicated that Treñas is leading with 171,731 votes over challengers Salvador “Jun” Capulot Jr., who garnered 50,600 votes, and Vicente Ang with 729 votes.

Incumbent Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon also leads the race with 151,012 over Kayser Jadulos who only got 39,290 votes.

For the city’s lone district congressional seat, incumbent Rep. Julienne Baronda is bound for a fresh mandate with 135,316 votes over former city mayor Jose Espinosa III who had 77,482.

Other congressional challengers are Rudy Bantolo (1,352), and Juni Espinosa (1,545).

In a statement, Baronda said Ilonggos have spoken as “they need more GUGMA. They want more HOPE,” referring to her cornerstone agenda.

“I am humbled by the fresh mandate that the Ilonggos have given me, and their trust will only motivate me to double my efforts to repay them with viable and life-changing projects, and transformational programs.”

She also called for unity as the city tries to recover from the pandemic.

“Amid our differences and even rancor caused by a bruising campaign, I enjoin every Ilonggo to unite and cooperate as we embark on efforts to rebound from the effects of COVID-19 pandemic. We have manifested to the country and even the world that Ilonggos can progress together despite our political and personal leanings,” she added.

Baronda assured that she will represent all Ilonggos in her second term.

“Ang akon Gugma indi lamang para sa aton mga taksakdag, kundi para sa tanan nga mga Ilonggo. Ina ang matuod-tuod nga Busay sang Paglaum para sa mas masanag kag masanyog nga bwas damlag. Ipadayon ang GUGMA. Ipalapnag ta pa gid ang GUGMA.”

She thanked her family, her allies led by Treñas and Ganzon and community leaders and endorsers.

CITY COUNCIL RACE

As of 10 p.m. Monday, former broadcaster and lawyer Sedfrey Cabaluna is the topnotcher in the city council race with 132,093, followed by Miguel Trenas (122,688), Alan Zaldivar (118,717), Frances Parcon (117,830), Nick Baronda (112,051), Rudolph Ganzon (105,975), Rex Sarabia (102,504) Candice Tupas (97,780), Johnny Young (96,924), Rommel Duron (94,835), Ely Estante (94,222), and Plaridel Nava (93,150) rounding up the Top 12.

Following closely are Cesar Alim (85,531), Jojo Javellana (84,079), Mandrie Malabor (77,087), and Lyndon Acap (67,789).

BACOLOD RESULTS

In another heated race, former Negros Occidental Congressman Alfredo “Albee” Benitez leads the mayoralty race against re-electionist Evelio Leonardia, based on the partial and unofficial tally of votes that were canvassed at the Bacolod City Government Center Monday night.

As of 9:26 p.m, Benitez garnered 116,792 votes against Leonardia’s 74,146 votes.

In the vice mayoralty race, reelectionist Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran is leading with 88,637 votes, against former councilor Caesar Distrito with 69,854 votes.

For the congressional race, reelectionist lone district Rep. Greg Gasataya tops the race with 126,274 votes against Dan Atayde with 65,667 votes.

The total number of registered voters in Bacolod City is 327,403 based on the records of the Comelec-Bacolod.