Thursday, May 17, 2007 Puentevella, Leonardia lead in Namfrel counting By Erwin Ambo S. Delilan and Suzette T. Quingco
INCUMBENT and re-electionist Bacolod lone district Congressman Monico Puentevella leads the race in the congressional post, while his rival's running mate, incumbent and re-electionist Mayor Evelio Leonardia posts a lead over his rivals in the mayoralty post.
As of 5 p.m. Tuesday night, Nassa/Namfrel Operation Quick Count results in 640 precincts showed that Puentevella is leading with 54,705 over his rivals incumbent vice mayor and congressional candidate Renecito Novero with 53,476, and Andy Hagad with 16,058.
In the mayoralty race, Leonardia leads with 77,703 over his rivals former mayor Joy Valdez with 38,652, and former City Police chief Vicente Ponteras with 6,387.
In the Vice-mayoralty race, incumbent councilor Thaddy Sayson leads with 50,483, over incumbent councilor and independent bet Lyndon Cana with 45,775, and followed by Elmer Sy with 26,071.
Meanwhile, initial and official reports from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) canvassing as of 2 p.m. in 56 precincts showed a close call between Puentevella and Novero, with 1,286 and 1,595 respectively.
In the mayoralty, Leonardia still makes a commanding initial lead with 2,371 over Valdez with 841; while in vice mayoralty, Sayson still in the lead with 1,415 over Caña's 1,191, and Sy's 660.
Be vigilant
Meanwhile, Puentevella assured his supporters Tuesday of a third term as he widens his lead against his rival by as much as 2,182 votes.
"Our fellow Bacoleños must be congratulated for making their choice. As for me, I am personally thanking those who have supported me and the rest of the Lakas-Kampi slate from the start to end of the campaign. We must also be thankful to God for giving us the strength and keeping us safe in our battle, all because of our commitment to serve the public," Puentevella said.
The Lakas-Kampi, meanwhile, issued a warning to the public to be wary of their rival's "use of various channels, engaging in mind conditioning activities and related Public Relations stunts to project that their candidate is leading."
What their barkers are harping is the contrary. This is very apparent in the quick counts and exit polls that they have funded meant to mislead the Bacolod people, Lakas said.
Puentevella advised Bacoleños not to dignify the opposing camp's PR exhibition and instead believe only the Comelec figures.
"Let us not put our guard down. The biggest threat to our triumph is when some elements start resorting to magic tricks during the canvassing, to the extent of doctoring the returns. All the more that we have to remain vigilant in the next few days," the administration party said.
