House Deputy Speaker and reelectionist Rep. Eric Martinez has been proclaimed the winner in the race for Valenzuela City's 2nd district congressional seat.
The local Board of Canvassers officially proclaimed Martinez as the runaway winner for the position at around 4 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, a mere nine hours after the polling precincts were closed.
Base on the official tally, Martinez, who is seeking his third and final term in the House of Representatives, garnered 132,241 votes. His lone opponent, Magtanggol Gunigundo, mustered only 50,599 votes, resulting to a winning margin of 81,642 votes.
Martinez, upon receiving the official copy of the certificate of canvass that signified his victory, expressed his wholehearted thanks and gratitude to God and to the people of the second district of Valenzuela City.
The House leader said that it "truly feels great" to know how his constituents appreciated his efforts in implementing his projects and programs. He said the landslide victory he got is a true testament of it.
"Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Makatitiyak kayo na ako ay patuloy na epektibong maglilingkod (Thank you very much to all of you. Rest assured that I will continue to serve you effectively)," Martinez said.
He credited his reelection to the various endorsements that he received ahead ahead the polls, most notably that of President Duterte's.
The deputy speaker likewise banked on the support of the influential bloc-voting sect Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), as well as his long-time alliance with Team Red of the local Gatchalian political clan.
Martinez backed the UniTeam alliance of presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos and vice presidential bet Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte during the May 9 elections.