Boxing champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao failed in his senatorial comeback, but his relatives fared better in local races. His political clan retained five seats in General Santos City and Sarangani province, remaining among the country’s “obese” dynasties.
Pacquiao’s sister-in-law Lorelie was reelected mayor of General Santos City, while his son Michael won as city councilor.
In Sarangani province, Pacquiao’s brother Rogelio clinched a second term as governor. His cousin, Zyrex, was reelected Maasim town mayor while his wife, Ellen Jade, placed second in the municipal council race.
In Sarangani’s Glan municipality, Victor Yap Sr. and son Victor Jr. were elected mayor and vice mayor, respectively. In Malungon town, Reynaldo Constantino and his daughter Tessa also secured the top two posts unopposed.
The Mangudadatu political clan also suffered big losses in the two Maguindanao provinces in neighboring Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
But in Sultan Kudarat province in Soccsksargen region, the clan continued to dominate the elections.
Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, son of Maguindanao del Sur governor Mariam Sangki and former governor Suharto Mangudadatu, was reelected governor against relative Sharifa Akeel Mangudadatu.
Both his parents ran for governor in the two new Maguindanao provinces but lost.
Mangudadatu’s brother Datu Yassin ran for mayor of Lutayan town unopposed.
Mangudadatu’s cousin Raden Sakaluran was also reelected vice governor. Sakaluran’s mother Ruth ran unopposed in the 1st District race and sister Bai Rihan won as Isulan town mayor. Bella Suansing topped the race in the 2nd District to succeed her father.
In Tacurong City, Vice Mayor Lina Montilla won as mayor.
In the rest of Soccsksargen region, dynasties ruled, turning local elections into intra-family contests.
Cotabato Gov. Lala Taliño-Mendoza won reelection against rival Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol. Her niece Rochelle Taliño-Taray was elected vice governor, defeating Piñol’s brother Efren.
The capital Kidapawan saw Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista win a second term against councilor Rochelle Gantuangco-Zoreta, daughter of former mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco. Evangelista’s father Joseph kept his post as board member.
In Kabacan, Evangeline Guzman and her husband Herlo won as mayor and vice mayor, respectively. Both ran unopposed.
Jay Gonzaga and his father Florenito bested brothers Rogel and Roldan Pelonio to get elected mayor and vice mayor of Magpet town, respectively. The father-daughter tandem of Oscar and Gigi Valdevioso secured the top municipal seats in Matalam.
In President Roxas town, Vice Mayor Jaime Mahimpit won as mayor, while his son Mayor Jonathan Mahimpit was elected vice mayor.
Antipas Mayor Cristobal Cadungon won reelection against his brother, Vice Mayor Egidio Cadungon Jr.
In Pikit, Vice Mayor Muhiryn Sultan-Casi won as mayor while her father, Mayor Sumulong Sultan, was elected vice mayor.
Alamada Mayor Jesus Sacdalan won reelection, while his son Victor Sacdalan was elected vice mayor. Jesus’ nephew Rolando Sacdalan topped the mayoral race in Midsayap town.
In South Cotabato province, Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. got reelected to a third and final term, while his uncle Tupi Mayor Romeo Tamayo won a fresh term.
Vice Gov. Dodo Pingoy also won reelection, while his wife Annabelle gained a seat on the provincial board.
Brothers Albert and Bernie Palencia won as mayors in Banga and Polomolok towns, respectively.
Dibu Tuan topped the race in the 3rd District, while his son T’boli Mayor Keo Dayle won reelection. — PCIJ.org