The family of former President Rodrigo Duterte ruled the elections in their stomping ground Davao City, setting the tone for the rule of dynasties in the Davao Region, or Region 11.
The elder Duterte, now facing pre-trial for the crime against humanity of murder in The Hague in connection with his drug war, won by a landslide against Karlo Nograles in the battle for city mayor.
His son, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, was elected vice mayor. His other son, 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, won reelection. Paolo’s sons Omar and Rigo were elected 2nd District representative and city councilor, respectively.
In Davao de Oro, Raul Mabanglo was elected governor. His wife, 1st District Rep. Maricar Zamora, won reelection. Her son Herv retained his post as board member while her brother Manuel Jr. was elected mayor of Monkayo town.
Mabanglo is the second husband of Zamora.
Gov. Dorothy Gonzaga clinched the vice governorship while her sister Ruwina was reelected board member.
Ramil Gentugaya and his wife also won seats on the provincial board.
Pantukan Mayor Jhong Ceniza topped the 2nd District congressional race, while his brother Noy replaced him as mayor of Pantukan.
In Davao del Norte, Edwin Jubahib kept his post as governor, while his daughter Clarice won as vice governor against Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.
Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy won by a huge margin against Vice Mayor Allan Rellon. Uy’s children also fared well in the local races. His daughter Ciara won a council seat in Tagum while his son Oyo was elected 1st District congressman.
JM Lagdameo, brother of Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, won the congressional seat in the 2nd District.
The Cagas dynasty remained strong in Davao del Sur. Yvonne Cagas and her husband Marc Cagas captured the top two posts in the Capitol. Yvonne defeated Marc’s cousin, Vice Gov. Aiai Cagas, in the battle for governor.
Marc’s other cousin, John Tracy Cagas, cruised to victory in the congressional race in the province’s lone district. He was the lone Davao region lawmaker who voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.
John’s brother Josef was reelected mayor of Digos City.
In Davao Oriental, 1st District Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang unseated reelectionist Gov. Niño Uy. Dayanghirang’s son Nelson Jr. topped the congressional race in the 1st District.
Glenda Rabat-Gayta was elected vice governor. Her cousin, Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat, lost her reelection bid to former congressman Mayo Almario. Almario’s son Cheeno retained his post as 2nd District representative.
In Lupon town, reelected Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go’s son, Christian Lawrence, was elected vice mayor.
In Davao Occidental, reelectionist Gov. Franklin “Colin” Bautista and his brother, reelectionist Rep. Claude Bautista, cruised to victories. Both ran unopposed.
Claude’s daughter, Claudine Diana Derequito Bautista-Lim, also won a seat in the House of Representatives as the first nominee of winning party list group Dumper Philippine Taxi Drivers Association Inc. — PCIJ.org