PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – Governor Jose Chavez Alvarez expressed his belief Palawenyos may have squandered an opportunity to become a progressive province.
During their “Pakimanan ta si Gob” press conference Monday, March 15, Alvarez said that they did not lose anything after majority of Palaweños are seemingly not in favor of dividing Palawan into three.
"Personally, I would say we did not lose anything. Ang nawalan dito ay ang sambayanang Palawenyo. No bitternesss, nandito lang kami," Alvarez said.
"Taumbayan magpasya hindi kami, nagsalita na sila kasi tanggap na natin 'yan. Yong nakakapanghinayang lang talaga ay 'yong share ng tatlong probinsya sana. Kung ano ang naging pasya ng tao ay wala na tayong magagawa," added Alvarez.
Vice Governor Dennis Socrates admits they have virtually conceded to what Palawenyos prefer in this exercise.
"Hindi lang nabigyan ng diin kanina but ang purpose nitong press conference ay formally we are conceding that yes has lost and no has won," Socrates said.
"Malungkot kami kasi tumaya tayo sa RA 11259 pero nireject ito. 'Yan naman ay kalooban ng Panginoon. Of course, we congratulate our friends sa kanilang pagkakapanalo," he added.
Republic Act 11259 has mandated the creation of three areas in the province namely, Palawan Oriental, Palawan del Sur, and Palawan del Norte through a plebiscite.
Votes opposing the division of Palawan into three separate provinces remain leading as the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) is expected to complete the canvassing of the remaining five of 23 municipal canvass reports on Tuesday afternoon.
“After canvassing the results from Linapacan, Coron, Culion, and Busuanga, the PBOC for the #PalawanPleb suspended session and will reconvene at 2 p.m. today, 16 March 2021,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez said in a Viber message.
Based on the canvassing results of the 18 municipalities which have so far been completed, 'no' votes lead by over 42,000 at 158,501 while 'yes' votes are at 116,436.