THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has proclaimed Roberto "Obet" Pagdanganan as the true winner of the 2007 elections for governor of Bulacan.

Obet Pagdanganan, with residents of Bulacan, holds the Comelec resolution. (Sunnex/Angela Casauay)

The poll body stated: "Protestee (incumbent Governor Joselito Mendoza) is ordered to immediately vacate the Office of the Provincial Governor of Bulacan; cease and desist from discharging the functions thereof; and peacefully turn over the said office to Protestant Pagdanganan."

"The Manny Pacquiao Blog". Click here for stories and updates on the Filipino boxing champ.

Pagdanganan appealed to Mendoza for "a peaceful transfer of authority and power."

"I don't believe he will (refuse) to step down. He will end up looking for shamed. You did not win and still you insist," he said in a press conference.

Pagdanganan said he is avoiding a violent transition of the seat and asked his supporters not to barricade the Capitol.

He also believes the authorities will ask Mendoza to step down if doesn't voluntarily do so.

Pagdanganan hopes to be seated as governor on or before December 10.

He will file a motion for motion for execution of pending appeal before the Supreme Court before 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Pagdanganan filed an electoral protest after Mendoza was declared the winner with 364,566 votes.

The Comelec ruled that Pagdanganan has a winning margin of 4,321 votes more than Mendoza's after recounting the votes in 11 towns and 3 cities.

According to Comelec's resolution, Pagdanganan gathered a total of 342,295 votes as compared to Mendoza's 337,974 votes.

"I knew that the justice will prevail and the truth will come out. This is a very historical moment," he said.

He further said the Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that no further pleadings will be entertained should Mendoza's camp filed a motion for reconsideration.

"What's nice about this is that the process has already gone through the Supreme Court."

The proclaimed Bulacan governor added that an order has been given to the Comelec by the SC asking them to make the process faster.

Pagdanganan will run for congressman of Bulacan in the 2010 elections. He will file for candidacy Tuesday. (Angela Casauay/Sunnex)