Alayon Local Party Claims Victory In Cebu’s First District

The local party Alayon headed by veteran Cebu politician Eduardo Gullas has claimed victory in all towns and cities in the province’s first district in the May 9 elections.

Gullas, a former congressman in the first district and former mayor of Talisay City, is the city’s mayor-elect, three years after he lost to incumbent Mayor Johnny de los Reyes.

Based on the final tally, Gullas garnered 58,068 votes, or 61.80 percent, while de los Reyes got 22,855 votes, or 24.32 percent.

His grandson Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas was successful in his reelection bid as representative of the first district.

The older Gullas’ running mate, former Talisay City vice mayor Alan Bucao, won by a high margin against Danilo Caballero and Dennis Basillote.

Nine of the 10 candidates for the City Council under the Gullas slate were also victorious in their bids.

They are incumbent Talisay City Councilors Richard Francis Aznar, Doroteo Emit, Socrates Fernandez and Antonio Bacaltos Jr., former city councilors Rodi Cabigas and Arturo Bas and Tabunok Barangay Captain Maning Cabriana and Barangay San Isidro Councilor Gail Restauro.

Outgoing Cebu Provincial Board (PB) Member Julian “Teban” Daan garnered the most number of votes among all Talisay councilorial candidates.

Incumbent City Councilor Val Ylanan is the lone ally of de los Reyes who was successful in his reelection bid.

Julian Daan’s wife Yolanda and former PB member Raul Bacaltos also claimed victory in the race for the PB.

In Minglanilla town, incumbent Mayor Elanito Pena, Vice Mayor Robert John Selma, also of alayon, won their reelection bids.

In the City of Naga, lawyer Kristine Vanessa Chiong and her uncle Othello were proclaimed as the new mayor and vice mayor.

Even the opposition town of San Fernando now has an Alayon mayor.

Former San Fernando mayor Lakambini Reluya defeated Vice Mayor Micko Canoy in the mayoral race. But Canoy’s runningmate Fralz Sabalones will succeed him as vice mayor.

It was Sabalones’s first time to enter politics.

In Carcar City, reelectionist Mayor Nicepuro Apura, Vice Mayor Patrick Barcenas and members of their slate secured a solid victory against Liberal Party mayoral candidate and PB Member Raul Alcoseba Jr.

In Sibonga, Caroline Bacaltos, wife of outgoing mayor Lionel Bacaltos, has a significant lead in the mayoral race.

Her runningmate, Vice Mayor Cirilo Apuda, also has a significant lead.

Lionel Bacaltos is leading in the race for the Municipal Council. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS