LA TRINDAD, Benguet (PIA) — At least five municipalities in Benguet will have new local chief executives starting 12:01 of June 30, 2022.
The municipalities of Atok, Itogon, Kabayan, Sablan and Mankayan will have new mayors who will serve for the next three years.
In Atok, Franklin Smith, a former municipal councilor and independent candidate won over incumbent Mayor Raymundo Sarac of the United Benguet Party and independent candidate Paquito Calantas.
In Sablan, incumbent councilor Alfredo Dacumos, Jr. is the newly elected mayor winning over incumbent mayor Manuel B. Munar Jr.
Mankayan’s newly elected mayor is Dario Banario defeating reelectionist mayor Frenzel Ayong and former mayor Materno Luspian.
In Itogon, voters have chosen incumbent Board Member Bernard Waclin as their new mayor succeeding three termer Victorio Palanddan.
Kabayan’s mayor elect is independent candidate Florante Bantales, Jr. winning over three others.
Other elected officials are for Atok, reelectionist vice mayor Angelito Galang Sr. while the councilors are Edward Haight, Edward Beliano, Kelly Denn Tomas, Constantina Lupante, Charlie Lingbanan, Marilou Alos-Zarate, Arthur Binay-an and Johara Balang.
Sablan: Vice Mayor Arthur Baldo (reelectionist). Councilors- Johnny Cutay, Harold Busoy, Cesar Calado, Romeo Amboy, Cornelio Almacen, Jefferson Carame, Jerry Olanio and Arthur De Leon.
Mankayan: Vice Mayor- Julio Joey Culliao. Councilors – Aldrin Camiling, Rey Manuit, Baylon Galuten, Balodoy Totanes, Ambino Padawi, Harold Guanso, Alejandrino Wagian and Norberto Anasan.
Itogon: Vice mayor – Dax Godio. Councilors- Jodea Rosado Acay-Camuyot, Norberto Pacio, Clint Galutan, Cesar Altiga, Jaime Calaoa Laduan, Lison Latawan Jr., Alejandro Palangdan and Albino Diego.
Kabayan: Vice Mayor- Mike Badival. Councilors- Rex Alwin Aquisan, Sario Minas, Roli Francis Wakit, Orlan Kelcho, Nover Baskial, Ghislyn Marave, Rudy Alos and Malou Cosalan.
Meanwhile, voters in five towns gave fresh mandate to their respective mayor and vice mayor.
In the capital town of La Trinidad are Mayor Romeo Salda and Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan who will be on their third and second term respectively. Councilors are re-electionists John Botiwey, Jayson Dangwa, Teddy Walang, Francis Lee and Guiller Galwan, comebacking councilor Henry Kipas, Bahong Barangay Chairman Belmer Elis and former Municipal Legal Officer Bartolome Baldas Jr.
In Buguias, Mayor Ruben Tinda-an and Vice Mayor Dione Baucas. Councilors- Manuel Yans, Melchor Guesey, Glenn Bigo, Ronald Kimakim, Federico Aquiso, Ireneo Calawag, Vicente Kitongan, and Jerahmeel Lasegan.
In Kapangan, Mayor Manny Fermin and Vice Mayor Mayo Eslay. Councilors- Jennylyn Ebes, Harris Dizon, Jefrey Marcelo, Rex Balangcod, Santos Bastian, Johnson Andiso, Marcelo Marcelo and Hector Mariano.
In Tuba, Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan and Vice Mayor Maria Carantes. Councilors- Eugene Gabino, Engr. Garey Behis, Atty. Nestor Baban, Reachelle Takinan, William Abance, Atty. Rebecca Apil, Roger Kitma and Gloria Paus.
In Tublay, Mayor Armando Lauro and Vice Mayor Juan Esnara. Councilors- Marvin Mayos, Cruso Daguioa Jr., Jovelyn Disierto, Soriano Mendoza, Daniel Kimpa-oy, William Esteban, Dinglee Berto and Gabriel Toribio.
Meanwhile, Bakun Mayor Bill Yubos Raymundo was re-elected. Vice Mayor- Fausto Talbino Labinio and Councilors- Jesus Dongga-as Lozano, June Raymundo Cortez Suni-en, Florence Lingling Balakiao, Marciano Palasi Kigisan, Jr., Dixie Leung La Madrid, Mark Cornelio Bayawa, Jayson Locano Tokias and Edgar Pinmiliw Ognaden.
Also reelected is Bokod Mayor Thomas Wales. Vice Mayor-elect is Erik Donn Ignacio.Councilors- Miguel Cosalan Jr., Doroteo Beray, Marian Calawen, Elinger Dayotao, Arthur Solano, Johnny Sama, Alex Basilio and Sonny Olas.
Kibungan Mayor Cesar Molitas is the only unopposed candidate in the province while Vice Mayor Edwin Nitron was re-elected. Councilors- Laurence Toking, Roger Rugade, Labio Nabe, Pauline Gumpic, Ben Palukpok, Joseph Cayad-an, Saturnino Tayag and Brenson Siadto.
Benguet Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Dexter Cawis said that the proclamation of winners were done after the respective Municipal Board of Canvassers sent the election results to the Provincial BOC on May 10, 2022.
Despite some challenges encountered during the election day such as malfunctioning of some vote counting machines and the usual problem on telecommunication signals, Cawis said May 9, 2022 national and local elections in the province was generally peaceful and successful. **JDP/RMC- PIA-CAR
