Agusan del Norte 2016 Elections: Warring Amantes retain their positions

There is a unique twist to a usual boring political landscape of the Province of Agusan del Norte. For decades, the Amante family has been lording over the Province in a routine fashion. The seed of their dominance was planted by their patriarch, Edelmiro Amante Sr. fondly called “Edel” by people close to him. Edel ushered his political career as a young lawyer running for Assemblyman of the Province under the ruling Marcos KBL party in the 1984 Batasang Pambansa elections. The rest is history.

These 2016 Elections however have a bizarre twist. Governor Angel Amante and his brother Congressman Erlpe John Amante parted ways. Though they did not confront each other head on, they fielded candidates against each other, mostly from their loyal allies. The separation put all their allies in disarray choosing whom to support between them. Looking at the respective lineups of their candidates, one can get confused as old friends and old allies found themselves in opposite camps, looking like a comedy of errors.

Congressman Erlpe Amante (NP) however retained his seat by beating Cabadbaran City Mayor Dale Corvera (LP), the surrogate candidate of Angel Amante. Erlpe Amante garnered 70,937 votes against Dale Corvera’s 62,058.  On the other hand, Governor Angel Amante beat Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Sadeka Tomaneng-Garcia for the top post of the Province. Angel Amante had 80,493 votes while Tomaneng-Garcia was behind with her 67,282 votes. For the Vice Governor race, Angel’s runningmate Rambu Bungabung (LP) won over Roy Orlando Doyon (NP) 70,449 to 66,427.

However, looking at the results, it is conclusive that Congressman Erlpe Amante won the family feud. While Angel and Rambu won, they lost the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as Erlpe John Amante’s NP got 5 seats as against only 3 seats for LP.  The pro Erlpe SP Members are Sal Cuasito, Dick Carmona, Daday Espina-Jundis, Dan Racaza and Lilibeth Musico. Angel Amante have veteran SP Member Aquino Gambe, Babette Calo and incumbent Butuan City Councilor Erwin Dano.

Erlpe’s dominance over Angel is also apparent in the number of Mayors who won. Of the Province’s 11 municipalities, 8 Mayors allied with Erlpe won while only 3 for Angel. Erlpe mayors won in Carmen, Nasipit, Magallanes, Remedios T. Romualdez, Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Cabadbaran City while pro Angel Mayors won in Buenavista, Santiago and Las Nieves.

Here are the complete results of Agusan del Norte Elections

 PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR AGUSAN DEL NORTE

RESULTS AS OF: 05/31/2016 11:19 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
AMANTE-MATBA, ANGEL (LP)	80493
GARCIA-TOMANENG, SADEKA (NP)	67282

PROVINCIAL VICE-GOVERNOR AGUSAN DEL NORTE

RESULTS AS OF: 05/31/2016 11:19 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
BUNGABONG, RAMBU (LP)	70449
DOYON, ROY ORLANDO (NP)	66427

MEMBER, SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN AGUSAN DEL NORTE - SECOND PROVDIST

RESULTS AS OF: 05/31/2016 11:19 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
CUASITO, SAL (NP)	52004
GAMBE, AQUINO (LP)	50974
CALO, BABETTE (LP)	50731
CARMONA, DICK VICTOR (NP)	50252
ESPINA-JUNDIS, DADAY (NP)	50057
RACAZA, DANRACZ (NP)	49713
DANO, TRUMPETA ERWIN (LP)	48909
LIM, RYAN JADE (LP)	48897
PUYOT, HARRIS GLENN (NP)	47261
AMORA, ANTIDIO (LP)	46753
PITOGO, RODULFO (LP)	45220
CHAN, BOBONG (LP)	44113
DEJOLDE, LOLONG (NP)	42806
TALILI, VICENTE (IND)	18688

MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AGUSAN DEL NORTE - FIRST LEGDIST

RESULTS AS OF: 05/31/2016 11:19 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
FORTUN, LAW (LP)	88549
LIBARIOS, ROAN (AKSYON)	75245

MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AGUSAN DEL NORTE - SECOND LEGDIST

RESULTS AS OF: 05/31/2016 11:19 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
AMANTE, ERLPE JOHN (NP)	70937
CORVERA, DALE (LP)	62058

Team Lagnada scores 13-0 sweep in Butuan City elections

Team RCL or Team Ronnievic Lagnada of the National Unity Party scored a massive victory for the elections in Butuan City.  From Congressman down to the last Councilor, Team RCL got it all.

Ronnievic Lagnada beat two time incumbent Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. of the Liberal Party by 23,000 votes. Lagnada got 90,081 votes against Amante’s 67,492 votes. Lagnada’s running mate, former Congressman Joeboy Aquino also won the Vice Mayoralty race with his 88,898 votes against Ryan Anthony Culima of the Liberal Party who got 36,991 votes.

All members for Lagnada’s slate for Councilors also won. What is remarkable is that majority of these winners are first timers in the City Council. 

Topping the race for the City Council is Glenn Carampatana of the NUP (94,971). The rest of the Councilors are as follows: Ferdinand Nalcot (LP), 87,283; Rema Burdeos (LP), 84,848; Derrick Plaza (NUP), 83,187; Cromwell Nortega (NUP), 76,293; Omar Andaya (NUP), 75,684; Cherry May Busa (NUP), 75,469; Vincent Rizal Rosario (NUP), 72,135; Ernest John Sanchez (NUP), 71,122; and John Gil Unay Sr. (NUP), 68,672.

In the Congressional race for the First District of Agusan del Norte of which Butuan City and the Municipality of Las Nieves belong, incumbent Congressman Lawrence Fortun of the Liberal Party won over Roan Libarios of Aksyon Demokratiko.  Fortun garnered 88,549 votes as compared to Libarios’ 75,245 votes. This is a rematch of their 2013 encounter which was won by Fortun. Incidentally, while Fortun is a member of the Liberal Party, he allied himself with Ronnievic Lagnada instead of his partymate Ferdinand Amante.

Here is the complete list of results of Butuan City elections.

MAYOR AGUSAN DEL NORTE - BUTUAN CITY

RESULTS AS OF: 05/30/2016 3:47 PM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
LAGNADA, RONNIE VICENTE (NUP)	90081
AMANTE, FERDINAND JR. (LP)	67492
EMBOY, TEODORO (IND)	597
CUBLAN, DANIE BOY (IND)	127
SANGRADOR, NESTOR (IND)	122

VICE-MAYOR AGUSAN DEL NORTE - BUTUAN CITY

RESULTS AS OF: 05/30/2016 3:47 PM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
AQUINO, JOBOY (NUP)	88898
CULIMA, RYAN (LP)	36991
PASCUAL, SERGIO (IND)	21567
BASADRE, RODULFO SR. (IND)	607

MEMBER, SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD AGUSAN DEL NORTE - BUTUAN CITY - LONE DIST

RESULTS AS OF: 05/30/2016 3:47 PM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
CARAMPATANA, GLENN (NUP)	94741
NALCOT, FERDINAND (LP)	87283
BURDEOS, REMA (LP)	84848
PLAZA, DERRICK (NUP)	83187
NORTEGA, CROMWELL (NUP)	76293
ANDAYA, OMAR (NUP)	75684
BUSA, CHERRY MAY (NUP)	75469
ROSARIO, VINCENT RIZAL (NUP)	72135
SANCHEZ, EHRNEST JOHN (NUP)	71122
UNAY, JOHN GIL SR. (NUP)	68782
AMANTE, SAMUEL ALLAN (LP)	50001
CALO, ANGIE CALO (LP)	49090
AQUINO, JOANNE (LP)	48169
CEMBRANO, JAIME JR. (LP)	47285
NERY, SALAMAT DOK (LP)	44229
CAFE, JEREMIAH (LP)	37460
GUEVARRA, RENATO (AKSYON)	36920
CAMPOS, GERRY (LP)	34294
ABEJAY, ENOLL (IND)	31013
BALANON, JANE (LP)	29738
AMOC, RAUL (IND)	19321
ESTERIOSO, PETER (IND)	11067
ADLAWAN, ANTOLIN (IND)	3713
GALICTO, JEFFREY (IND)	3250
SALAN, JAIME (IND)	3071

MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AGUSAN DEL NORTE - FIRST LEGDIST

RESULTS AS OF: 05/30/2016 4:19 PM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
FORTUN, LAW (LP)	88549
LIBARIOS, ROAN (AKSYON)	75245

Municipal Winners in Misamis Oriental in 2016 elections.

As the results of the Elections are completed, a clear picture can be made with the new political landscape in the province. Some new faces emerge but majority of the winners are reelected officials. 

Let us start with the First District. 

In Magsaysay, the tandem of Rey Buhisan and Balong Ladica of the Liberal Party won over Toto Ocot and Maritess Gacus of Padayun Pilipino. Buhisan has 10,454 votes over Toto Ocot's 6,225. Balong Ladica has 9,252 as compared to Gacus' 6,552 votes. The Liberal Party also swept the Municipal Council. 

In Gingoog City, while Senator TJ Guingona failed to win a Senate seat this time around, his sister Marie Guingona and mother Ruthie Guingona swept their respective rivals. Marie Guingona won over Vice Mayor Erick Cañosa while Ruthie Guingona topped Board Member Abing Bernaldez for the Vice Mayoralty race. The Liberal Party also dominate the City Council with 7 seats as compared to 3 of Padayun Pilipino. 

In Medina, a new Mayor is elected. Donato Chan of the Liberal Party unseat incumbent Mayor Ken Niño Uyguangco of Padayun Pilipino. Chan's running mate, Kimboy Odchigue is reelected as Vice Mayor. Chan got 9,641 votes over Uyguangco's 8,769. Odchigue garnered 10,263 over Jong Reyes' 7,517 votes. 

In Talisayan, Rommel Maslog of Padayun Pilipino is reelected as Mayor. Maslog garnered 8,627 while Rico Taray of the Liberal Party got 6,619.  Josefina Omondang of Padayun Pilipino also won. She got 7009 votes over second running Independent candidate Carlito Rayon who got 5,356. Arthur Sumanpan of the PDP Laban finished third with 1,908 votes. 

In the port town of Balingoan, Aaron Paul Unabia is the new Mayor. Unabia of the Liberal Party bested Dong Panulaya of Padayun Pilipino and Perlita Espero, an Independent candidate. Unabia won a slim victory of 2,831 votes against Panulaya's 2,655. Espero was a far third with 895 votes. Veja Ongcachuy-Dilla ran unopposed in the Vice Mayoralty race. 

In Kinoguitan, its still the Liberal Party tandem of Junjun Lagbas and Ryan Pabellan who emerged victorious. Lagbas beat Hermes Avila of Padayun with 6,024 votes to 2,176. Pabellan won over Win Marban of Padayun 5,569 to 1,512.

In Sugbongcogon, Mildred Lagbas of the Liberal Party won over Benedict Lagbas of Padayun Pilipino, 4,465 to 1,847. In the Vice Mayoralty race, Botyok Lagbas of the Liberal Party won over Taras Lagbas of Padayun Pilipino 3,154 to 2,306. 

In Binuangan, Tomas Gumahin of the Liberal Party is reelected as Mayor. He beat former Mayor Pastor Salarda of Padayun Pilipino. Gumahin's running mate Marcelo Abao also won over Elvie Ty of Padayun Pilipino. Gumahin has 

3, 301 votes as compared to Salarda's 1,475. 

In Salay, Jun Capistrano of the Liberal Party is reelected. He defeated Emeterio Tagarda Jr. of Padayun Pilipino, 8907 to 6410. Sonny Tan of the Liberal Party also won over independent candidate German Piquero, 8,826 to 3,015 for Vice Mayor.   A third candidate, Buddy Marte of Padayun Pilipino got 2,412. 

In Lagonglong, its Padayun Pilipino team up of Jap Puertas and Leo Orog who won. Both won over LP candidates Ken Dagala for Mayor and Erlindo Cagadas. Puertas got 5,591 votes against Dagala's 4,503 while Orog got 6,502 over Cagadas 4,998. 

In Balingasag town, Marietta Abogado (LP) posted a narrow win over ex Mayor Felix Borromeo (PADAYN). Abogado got 16,952 while Borromeo got 16,131 or less than 800 votes. In contrast ex Mayor Alexis Quina (LP)won a lopsided victory with his 21,934 votes against Ging Mundo's (PADAYN) 9,441 votes in the Vice Mayoralty race. 

In Jasaan, the reign of the Jardin’s have ended. Gregorio Jonathan Po of NUP became the new Mayor of the town as he beat comebacking former Mayor Red Jardin of Padayun Pilipino. Po got 13,935 votes while Jardin only managed to get 12,738. In the Vice Mayoralty race, independent candidate Julius Pagaspas emerged victorious. Pagaspas got 9,660 votes to top the race. Loloy Adajar of NUP is second with 9,009 votes while Padayun Pilipino candidate Manny Trozo is third with 7,343 votes.

Villanueva is still remains the turf of the Uy’s. Jennie Rosalie Uy of NUP posted a big victory with her 11,194 votes against Elena Abrea of Padayun Pilipino who got 5,288. In the vice Mayoralty race, Uy’s runningmate, Edwin Dagasuhan won over his rival Josefina Neri of Padayun Pilipino 8,480 to 6,611. Uy is the daughter of incumbent Second District Congresswoman Juliette Uy.

Tagoloan still remains as the stronghold of the Emano’s and Padayun Pilipino as another Emano is crowned Mayor of the town. Incumbent Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Enan Emano of Padayun Pilipino won with his 11,186 votes.  His closest rival Sergio Yap of the Nationalist People’s Coalition got 10,110 votes while Gomer Sabio of NUP is third with 10,021 votes. A fourth candidate Dr. Serina Emano got 157 votes. In the Vice Mayoralty race, Robinson Sabio of the NUP emerged on top with his 19,849 votes. A far second is Timkang Pastor of the Nationalist People’s Coalition with 3,974 votes and incumbent Mayor Paulino Emano of the Padayun Pilipino with 2,602 votes.

In Claveria town, Mera Abrogar-Salvaleon of the Liberal Party is elected Mayor. Salvaleon garnered 14,184 votes. She beat former Governor Bong Calingin of Padayun Pilipino with his 8,967 votes. In the Vice Mayoralty race, Nante Salvaleon (LP) won with his 15,309 votes against Dennis Ong (PADAYN) with 6,825 votes.

In Opol town, Max Seno (LP) is reelected as Mayor. Seno got 15,376 votes against former Mayor Dexter Yasay (PADAYN) with his 10,144 votes. Seno’s running mate Tatchie Mabulay-Ortigoza (LP) won over Louie Mark Neri (PADAYN) with 10,951 votes. This is the second time Seno and Yasay had their faceoff with the same results.

In Alubijid, Alvin Labis of the Liberal Party is reelected as Mayor. He beat Whirly Labis of Padayun Pilipino 10,629 to 4,297. In the Vice Mayoralty race, Emmanuel Jamis (LP) won over Kangking Elarmo, 8,584 to 6,134.

In the airport town of Laguindingan,  Diosdado Obsioma of the Liberal Party defeated incumbent Mayor Leosil Ubaub of Padayun Pilipino. Obsioma got 7,870 votes while Ubaub got 6,459. Independent candidate Roy Macua won as Vice Mayor with his 7,742 votes. His rival Avelino Mejos of Padayun Pilipino only got 5,978.

In Gitagum town, incumbent Board Member Emmanuel Mugot (LP) is elected Mayor. Mugot garnered 4,321 votes. Nanette Taroy (PADAYN) is second with her 3,854 votes while independent candidate Tiburcio Ajonan is third with 2,133 votes. Dodong Orquillas (PADAYN) scored a narrow victory as Vice Mayor over incumbent Mayor  and now running for Vice Mayor Rodolfo Buray (LP). Orquillas got 4,875 while Buray has 4,464.

In Libertad, Leonardo Uy Jr. is reelected Mayor. Uy of NUP (3,017) beat Boboy Acain (PADAYN) (2,707) and Boy Namocot (LP) (1,854). Miguel Juario (NUP) won as Vice Mayor with his 3,035 votes. Lasco Marba of Padayun Pilipino is second with 2,280 and former Mayor Joecel Tiu (LP) is third with 1,983.

In Initao town, incumbent Mayor Gogoy Acain of Padayun Pilipino posted a landslide win over independent candidate Cesar Orquillas. Acain garnered 13,495 against Orquillas’ 1,942 votes.  Acain’s runningmate, Bembem Sayre also won as Vice Mayor with his 11,141 votes as against independent candidate Francis Balabat who got 3,378.

In Naawan town, unopposed candidates, Jaime Roa and Dennis Roa for Mayor and Vice Mayor respectively expectedly won. Both Roa’s are members of Padayun Pilipino party.

In Manticao, Tony Baculio of Padayun Pilipino toppled incumbent Bobby Lagrosas of the Liberal Party. Baculio got 8,297 while Lagrosas garnered 6,141 votes. Independent candidate Ely Bernabe got 441 votes. For Vice Mayor, Stephen Tan of Padayun Pilipino beat Dodie Lagrosas of the Liberal Party 9,294 to 4,715. Independent candidate Dodong Sagocsoc got 144 votes.

Lastly, in Lugait town, Bebot Perez of Padayun Pilipino beat independent candidate Yuri Taongan, 6,578 to 3,073. Perez’ runningmate, Jojo Manlawe of Padayun Pilipino is also elected Vice Mayor with his 5,840 votes. Angel Lim Jr. of Centrist Democratic Party is second with his 3,370.  

Gov. Bambi Emano wins second term in Misamis Oriental

Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano is reelected for a second term. Emano bested challenger Julio Uy of the National Unity Party in the two way race. 

Emano got 243,972 votes over Julio Uy's 175,835. Emano's running mate, incumbent Vice Governor Joey Pelaez is also reelected. Pelaez got 229,991 votes against NUP's Loloy Cezar who only got 88,631 votes. 

In the Congressional race, Juliette Uy of NUP is reelected in the Second District . Uy got 139,830. Jun Baculio of Padayun Pilipino is far second with 79,392 votes. 

In the First District, Peter Unabia of the Liberal Party is reelected to his third and final term. Unabia got 117,027 votes as against Rey Moreno of Padayun Pilipino who is a far second with 48,367 votes. 

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is slightly lead by Padayun with 5 members, Liberal Party with 4 and NUP with 1.  LP got 4 while Padayun got 1 in the First District. It was a different story in the Second District where Padayun got 4 while NUP got 1. 

Here is the complete results for Misamis Oriental. 

PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR MISAMIS ORIENTAL

RESULTS AS OF: 05/27/2016 10:18 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
EMANO, BAMBI (PADAYN)	243972
UY, JULIO (NUP)	175835

PROVINCIAL VICE-GOVERNOR MISAMIS ORIENTAL

RESULTS AS OF: 05/27/2016 10:18 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
PELAEZ, JOEY (UNA)	229991
CEZAR, LOLOY (NUP)	88631
JARALES, FERMIN (LAKAS)	21245

MEMBER, SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN MISAMIS ORIENTAL - FIRST PROVDIST

RESULTS AS OF: 05/27/2016 10:18 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
PELAEZ, JIGJAG (PADAYN)	97321
MILITANTE, WIN (LP)	94753
DUMADAG, BEBING (LP)	75453
KHU, ERIK (LP)	68286
PELAEZ, ENTENG (LP)	62754
LAGBAS, SUSAN (PADAYN)	59950
KHU, JERRY (PADAYN)	46793
MOTOOMULL, BOYPINTING (PADAYN)	43338
PADERANGA, MAXIMO (PADAYN)	36031
VALMORES-CUA, VERN (IND)	17341
MACATOL, LINO (IND)	12522

MEMBER, SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN MISAMIS ORIENTAL - SECOND PROVDIST

RESULTS AS OF: 05/27/2016 10:18 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
ACAIN, MERCY GRACE (PADAYN)	83529
EMANO, MARIO (PADAYN)	78771
MADJOS, NANCY (PADAYN)	77379
SABAL, BOBOY (PADAYN)	76536
ACTUB, OLIVIER BORIS (NUP)	64927
ELIPE, PREXY (PADAYN)	61330
CANONIGO, ARRISH (LP)	59823
ADAZA, HOMOBONO ERWIN (NUP)	54544
CARREON, RAMIL (NUP)	52436
ACHAS, RECTO (NUP)	51063
POMAR, ARMANDO (NUP)	42998
NERI, GLENN (PDPLBN)	36596
REBUTA, CESAR (IND)	15377
RATUNIL, FELIX (IND)	14648
ZAYAS, OMAR (IND)	10333
JALAGAT, ORGANICO (IND)	6379

MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MISAMIS ORIENTAL - FIRST LEGDIST

RESULTS AS OF: 05/27/2016 10:18 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
UNABIA, PETER (LP)	117027
MORENO, REY (PADAYN)	48367
ZAGADO, ROMMEL (PMM)	1495

MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MISAMIS ORIENTAL - SECOND LEGDIST

RESULTS AS OF: 05/27/2016 10:18 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
UY, JULIETTE (NUP)	139830
BACULIO, JUN (PADAYN)	79392
PO, MANUEL (IND)	2833

MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MISAMIS ORIENTAL - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - FIRST LEGDIST

RESULTS AS OF: 05/27/2016 10:18 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
UY, ROLANDO (LP)	57094
DARIMBANG, CANDY (IND)	51208

MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MISAMIS ORIENTAL - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - SECOND LEGDIST

RESULTS AS OF: 05/27/2016 10:18 AM

CANDIDATE	VOTES
RODRIGUEZ, MAXIE (IND)	46363
TABOR, RAMON (UNA)	34123
CABANLAS, EDGAR (LP)	29343
CARRASCO, EVANGELINE (IND)	4905
FERNANDEZ, CHITO (IND)	507
BALAT, CELSO (IND)	502