26 incumbent mayors in Iloilo re-elected
I LOILO – Twenty- s i x 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: * J e t t 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 8,541 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 J ohn 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 * J o f e l S o l dev i l l a o f Zarraga/