In region of sugar barons, political families rule

Sugar barons and their descendants consolidated power in the new Negros Island Region. 

In Negros Oriental’s battle for governor, the Cebuano-speaking eastern half of the region, Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria defeated Pryde Henry Teves.

His father, 2^nd District Rep. Manuel “Chikiting” Sagarbarria, won as mayor of of Dumaguete City. His mother, Dumaguete Vice Mayor Ma. Isabel Sagarbarria, topped the 2nd District congressional race. His sister Chessa was elected Dumaguete City councilor.

In Negros Occidental, Eugenio Jose Lacson got elected to a final term as governor, while Jose Benito Alonso won as vice governor.  

In Cadiz City, Salvador Escalante won as mayor alongside his nephew Vincent as vice mayor. Raymund Tongson was elected mayor of Himamaylan City. Mayor Gina Montilla-Lizares and her brother Vice Mayor Oscar Montilla were elected to a final term in Sipalay City.  

In Bago City’s mayoral race, Mayette Javellana-Yao defeated Ramon Torres of the Torres-Yulo clan that ruled Bago City for decades. 

In Bacolod City, Rep. Greg Gasataya was elected mayor while Mayor Albee Benitez won as the city’s congressional representative. Benitez’s son Javi,  mayor of Victorias City, won the 3^rd District race in Negros Occidental.  

In Siquijor, Zaldy “Jecoy” Villa secured a second term as governor, while his son Jec-jec topped the congressional race in the island’s lone district. — PCIJ.org