NEW DARAGA MAYOR. The Commission on Elections (Comelec), through the municipal board of canvassers (MBOC), proclaims on Wednesday (May 15, 2019) incumbent vice mayor Victor Perete (second from left) as mayor-elect of Daraga. The Albay town was placed under Comelec control in this year's mid-term polls due to election-related violence. (Photo by Connie Calipay)
DARAGA, Albay -- Mayor-elect Victor Perete vowed to prioritize solving the water, waste and traffic congestion problems in this Albay town.
In a media interview after his proclamation as winner on Wednesday afternoon, Perete said change will come in the next 100 days.
“Salamat sa mainit na pagtanggap sa mga taga-Daraga (Thank you for the support, townsfolk of Daraga). We will implement programs in our beloved town very soon,” he said.
Perete thanked the support of his constituents and Second District Rep. Joey Salceda.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec), through the Municipal Board of Canvassers (MBOC), proclaimed Perete, incumbent vice mayor, as mayor-elect of Daraga town, which was placed under the poll body's control during the mid-term polls due to election-related violence.
Lawyer Jasmin Cecilia Banzuela-Belarmino, MBOC chairperson, said Perete garnered a total of 24,616 votes against his closest rival Gertie Batocabe, who received 19,859 votes; and incumbent mayor Carlwyn Baldo, who placed third with 16,564 votes.
Gertie is the widow of slain Ako Bicol party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe, while Baldo was tagged by the police as the mastermind in the killing.
Perete became acting mayor after Baldo surrendered to the authorities to face a double murder complaint and six counts of attempted murder charges.
Meanwhile, Perete's running mate, Jungie Jaucian, also won as vice mayor with 27,954 votes against Joey Marcellana and Joseph Espinas.
The newly-elected officials will assume office after their formal oath-taking on June 30. (PNA)
