Barbers rises again in Surigao del Norte politics

SURIGAO CITY – A former congressman and governor has successfully returned to the thick of things in Surigao del Norte politics.

Robert Ace Barbers, son of the late Senator Robert Z. Barbers, won over Climate Change Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering in the May 9 polls and reclaimed his seat as congressman of the second district, which he held from 1998 to 2007.

After serving as representative, Barbers went on to become Surigao del Sur’s governor from 2007 to 2010.

Barbers was officially proclaimed by the provincial board of canvassers, led by lawyer April Joy Balano, after he garnered 114,051 votes, trouncing Sering who had 72, 682 votes.

And in beating Sering, he was the only one who pierced through the formidable Matugas machinery in the province.

Incumbent Governor Sol Matugas was re-elected, together with Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas, while the governor’s son Francisco Jose II won as congressman of the first district on his first try at politics.

According to his camp, Barbers would be pursuing his programs on health, social services, education, and infrastructures in rural areas to improve the plight of farm and fisher folk.

He will also pursue his economic agenda and support services for the benefit of all Surigaonons.

“We’re making a comeback to resume what we started over the 12 years I served Surigao del Norte as congressman and governor. And we’re making sure that we ensure a bright future for all Surigaonons in the 21st century,” Barbers said.