MALITA, Davao Occidental -- Political families under the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) dominated five towns of Davao Occidental.
Unopposed Bautistas dominated key positions in the province as Governor Claude Bautista, the regional president of HNP, garnered 81,475 votes in the 75 percent canvassed Election Returns (ERs) as of 8:26 a.m. Wednesday, May 15.
His older brother and running mate Franklin Bautista was also re-elected with 76,533 votes.
Lorna Bandigan, re-electionist representative of the lone district of Davao Occidental, got 72,827 votes.
The Bautista clan also won major positions in the capital Malita town.
Malita town Mayor Bradly Bautista, son of Franklin, was re-elected unopposed with 44,519 in the 98.91 percent canvassed ERs.
His running mate, former councilor Esma Bautista, the daughter of former Malita mayor and incumbent Vic Mayor Benjamin Bautista, also amassed 43,022 votes.
Another Bautista also got the number one slot in the Municipal Council -- Benjamin Bautista III, son of the outgoing vice-mayor.
Bautista allies also won in five different municipalities.
In Sta. Maria town, Mayor Rudy Mariscal (HNP) was re-elected with 17,944 against his opponent Sigfredo Merka (IND), who only earned 4,203 votes in the 100 percent canvassed ERs.
His daughter and running mate Josephine Mariscal received 12,991 votes against Solo Lino with 8,800 votes.
In Sarangani town, Mayor Virgie Cawa (HNP) garnered 5,480 votes against Mar Lagudas with 4,868 votes.
Her running mate and son of her late husband, Jerry Cawa, Jr., was also elected with 5,428 votes against opponent Jose Cawah Jr., who only got 4,722 votes.
The Joyce clan, meanwhile, dominated the town of Jose Abad Santos. Vice Mayor Jason John Joyce was elected mayor, while his running mate father Mayor Jimmy Joyce was elected vice mayor.
Joyce siblings, Hadjie and Jayjay, were elected as municipal councilors.
Jason's brother, Jardin, was elected as provincial board member.
In Don Marcelino town, Mayor Michael Maruya was unopposed but he got 6,347 votes.
His running mate Stephen Johnson only got 4,759 votes, while independent candidate Mana Cadulang is now leading in the race with 7,368 votes in the 79.41 percent canvassed of ERs as of 9:25 a.m. Wednesday, May 15. (Orlando B. Dinoy)