ILOILO – Twenty-six incumbent mayors here – out of 43 – got reelected on Monday.
They will start their fresh terms beginning June 30, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
They were the following:
* Jett Rojas of Ajuy (unopposed)
* Lee Ann Debuque of Anilao
* Bryant Paul Biron of Barotac Nuevo
* Nielo Tupas of Barotac Viejo (unopposed)
* Elvira Alarcon of Batad
* Mark Palabrica of Bingawan (unopposed)
* Francisco Calvo of Calinog
* Siegfredo Betita of Carles
* Stephen Palmares of Passi City
* Rufino Palabrica III of Dingle
* Jennifer Colada of Guimbal (unopposed)
* Reynor Gonzales of Lambunao
* Vicente Jaen of Leganes
* Oscar Villegas of Lemery
* Ma. Lina Holipas of Leon
* Francis Amboy of Maasin
* Liecel Seville of New Lucena (unopposed)
* Luigi Gorriceta of Pavia
* Rafael Enrique Lazaro of Pototan
* Darwin Bajada of San Dionisio
* Trexie Fernandez of San Enrique (unopposed)
* Ninfa Garin of San Joaquin
* Marina Gorriceta of San Miguel
* Roberto Belleza of San Rafael
* Jon Aying of Sara
* Roquito Tacsagon of Tubungan
Five incumbent mayors who sought reelection lost. They were as follows:
* Mayor Jaime Esmeralda of Igbaras – lost to challeger Vice Mayor Juvic Escorpion
Esmeralda got 8,424 votes while Escorpion had 8,541 votes
* Mayor Rema Somo of Santa Barbara – lost to former mayor Dr. Dennis Superficial
Somo garnered 16,394 votes while Superficial had 20,059 votes
* Mayor Bienvenido Margarcio of Janiuay – lost to incumbent Sangguniang Bayan member Paulino Parian
Margarico’s 14,695 was no match to Parian’s 17,670 votes.
“Madamo gid nga salamat sa tanan-tanan nga mga Janiuaynon nga nagsalig kag nag suporta sang akon,” said Parian.
* Mayor Melina Requinto of Estancia – lost to incumbent Vice Mayor Mary Lynn Mosqueda.
Requinto garnered 6,647 votes while Mosqueda had 7,990 votes.
* Mayor Raul Banias of Concepcion – defeated by incumbent Vice Mayor Millard Villanueva
Banias had 11,503 votes. Villanueva had 12,227 votes.
“The people have spoken. We respect their voice,” said Banias.
He added: “It’s time for me and Dr. Joy to move on. God has better plans for me. To my family, friends, supporters and allies I will never abandon you. Thank you for all your support,” added Banias.
Meanwhile, 17 towns have new mayor:
* Ian Kenneth Alfeche of Alimodian (unopposed)
* Atty. Suzette Mamon of Badiangan (unopposed)
* Filomeno Ganzon of Balasan
* Peter Paul Gonzales of Banate
* Elizalde Pueyo of Cabatuan
* Millard Villanueva of Concepcion
* Robert Pama of Dueñas
* Braeden John Biron of Dumangas
* Chic Mosqueda of Estancia
* Juvic Escorpion of Igbaras
* Paulino Parian of Janiuay
* Richard Garin of Miag-ao
* Lydia Grabato of Mina
* Sofronio Fusin of Oton
* Dennis Superficial of Santa Barbara
* Virgilio Teruel of Tigbauan
* Jofel Soldevilla of Zarraga/PN
