BANGUED, Abra – This province has elected a new set of officials, although old names in local politics, led by congressman-elect Joseph “JB” Santo Niño Bernos.

Bernos, who obtained 140,446 votes out of a possible 188,957, is the incumbent mayor of La Paz and president of the League of Mayors in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Eustaquio Bersamin, eldest brother of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, received 133,176 votes for the gubernatorial seat.

Eustaquio served as governor for three terms and ran but lost against reelectionist Vice Gov. Joy Valera-Bernos in 2022. His niece, Anne Bersamin, obtained 130,127 votes and will become the new vice governor.

The three winners comprise the Progreso group that ran against the Asenso’s Joaquin Enrico Bernos (governor) and his mother, Joy Bernos.

Joaquin Enrico Bernos is the nephew of JB, being the son of his brother Ysrael, who was only 30 when he was killed in 2006 while serving as mayor of La Paz.

"I am offering the Progreso's hand of reconciliation, but it comes with justice for those wronged during the campaign," the incoming lawmaker said. 

LEGAZPI CITY – The Provincial Board of Canvassers has officially declared Noel Rosal as the new governor of Albay after he defeated Albay Rep. Joey Salceda.

During the proclamation at the Albay Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall on Tuesday, Provincial Board of Canvassers and Commission on Elections-Albay election supervisor Maria Aurea Bo-Bunao said Rosal garnered 404,015 votes from the province's three cities and 15 municipalities.

In addition to the governor, other elected officials for the province were also proclaimed, including three representatives of the three districts, the vice governor, and provincial board members.

In an interview after the proclamation, Rosal thanked Albayanos who supported him despite the various legal cases filed against him.

"They voted for me because they don’t believe in the cases that have been raised against me," he said.

"Three years go by quickly, and I want to assure the people that I will never forget this opportunity. I truly felt their support. Even though I didn’t have the resources, I saw their faith in me, and I cannot ignore it. Together, we will work to realize the dream of development for our province."

Rosal outlined his priorities, which include power and healthcare.

"Power is very important because if we don’t fix the power situation, Albay will not progress. If it remains expensive and inefficient, we will struggle to make advancements. Secondly, I have noticed that healthcare in Albay is in dire need of improvement. I plan to address this issue, particularly with regard to our nine hospitals. The records will show that I have done what is necessary to improve our healthcare,” he said.

“Additionally, we need to maximize our resources, including our quarries and tourism. We will rebrand Albay. Although three years is very short, we can make a start. Whoever takes over in 2028 can continue our initiatives.”

Rosal acknowledged the challenges he faced during the campaign.

"I had nothing – I didn’t have a tent, tarpaulin, medical assistance, or even a concert. But I saw that the people spoke clearly. My resources were minimal. I couldn’t even hold a rally. I just collaborated with the different mayors, and I am thankful they supported me. This election will go down in history," he said.

He also commended his opponent's political will to serve the Albayanos.

"Congressman Joey Salceda is an institution here. Maybe people recognized what happened three years ago because he has also been doing good work as a congressman. Yet, perhaps they felt that Gov. Rosal should be their governor, seeing the importance of checks and balances," he added.

Rosal indicated that he would take a moment to relax and express gratitude for his victory.

"The battle over the past 45 days has been tough, and I know my opponent felt the same way. I wish him luck. It’s painful because he also wants to serve, but the people have decided in my favor, and I hope everyone, including my opponent, will respect that decision," he said. (With a report from Emmanuel Solis)

LEGAZPI CITY – Catanduanes Gov.-elect Patrick Azanza on Monday described his poll victory as both a miracle and a triumph for his constituents.

Azanza secured his victory with 76,169 votes, while his opponent, Peter Cua, the brother of Gov. Joseph Cua, garnered 75,807 votes.

This race marked one of the closest gubernatorial contests in Catanduanes' history.

In his victory speech livestreamed on Radyo Peryodiko, Azanza noted that this was the first time in the province's history that a candidate won without significant political machinery.

“The responsibility now is even greater. We must open the doors of the Capitol to the people. Our programs must not be for personal gain but truly for the benefit of the public,” he said.

He acknowledged the support he got from various groups, including 37 business owners and volunteers, particularly from the youth sector.

“They encouraged me to run for this position, even though it was my first time entering politics. I had no money, no machinery, and no hired help. But God was faithful. Ultimately, it was the people who made this victory possible,” he said in Filipino.

“Even alumni, including graduates now living in America and other parts of the world, contributed to the campaign by reaching out to their relatives here. I’m truly grateful to all of them.”

Azanza was the former president of the Catanduanes State University.

“The rest will be said next time as a way of giving thanks to everyone, especially in recognizing the goodness of the Lord, who has truly been faithful. Thank you,” he said.