Cosalan, Fongwan, Abalos proclaimed in Benguet

By March Fianza

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Veering away from his usual style of delivering a speech full of jokes and funny stories, this time Benguet Gov. Nestor Bagtang Fongwan was emotional during proclamation of winning candidates as he condemned the manner of campaigning displayed by his opponents last days of the campaign period.

This, even as he said the proclamation of all winning provincial officials who represent opposing political parties in one venue, with their supporters in attendance only proves that elections in Benguet are very peaceful.

“Candidates here do not give away money to voters and people do not wait for money from candidates,” Fongwan said, contrary to reports that followers of a congressional bet were seen distributing cash to residents in a barangay in La Trinidad.

“We must learn from the 2010 elections, and these elections should be an example for future elections,” Fongwan urged those in attendance in the common proclamation.

“In campaigning, just present yourself and stop pointing at others,” saying further that elections should tell younger generations that politics “is not about destroying your opponents.”

Fongwan garnered a total 87,618 votes, followed by incumbent congressman and independent gubernatorial bet Samuel Dangwa with 40,563 votes.

Former governor Raul Molintas trailed behind with 20,189 votes.

Re-electionist vice governor Crescencio Pacalso garnered an insurmountable 100,594 votes, the first in the history of Benguet where a huge aggregate of votes is gathered by a position contested by only two bets.

Former vice governor Wasing Sacla, Pacalso’s challenger, was unable to maximize resources to campaign as he was out of the country during the same period.

However, 30,664 voters still cast their votes in favor of him despite his physical absence.
Former Rep. Ronald M. Cosalan of the Liberal Party won back his congressional post after being absent from politics for three terms.

He survived the tightly contested congressional fight garnering 48,732 votes or an insurmountable lead of 10,740 votes over businessman Jack Dulnuan who had 37,992 votes.

Cosalan during the proclamation program thanked his supporters, volunteers and his family for standing by him during the fight.

Former Benguet board member Atty. Liso Agpas got 30,888 votes in the congressional race while Lakas-Kampi bet Itogon incumbent mayor Mario Godio came in fourth with 20,075 votes.
Ricardo Angluben came in far fifth with 6,178 votes, while incumbent La Trinidad councilor Thomas Chamos garnered 1,945 only.

In his Facebook wall, Chamos gracefully conceded. He said, “I too have not made it and I would like to believe that all of us who did not win in this 2010 election must respect the peoples’ right of suffrage.”

Chamos further wrote: “There is no amount of explanation regarding our fate because democracy has prevailed. It’s time to cooperate and allow the new administration to function, move forward forprogress and development. The next election is just 1,095 days away.”

The rest of the provincial board members who were proclaimed winners were District 2 bets Nelson Dangwa with 49,685 votes; followed by Florence B. Tingbaoen with 40,623 votes; Apolinario T. Camsol with 40,236 votes; Rogelio P. Leon with 38,669 votes; Concepcion D. Balao with 35,358 votes; and Nardo B. Cayat with 33,930 votes.

Under District 1, those proclaimed were board members Juan M. Nazarro Jr. with 27,005 votes; Alfonso L Fianza with 25,310; Benjamin C. Saguid with 20,531 votes; and Johnny D. Waguis with 20,530 votes.

In the municipality of La Trinidad, lawyer Gregorio T. Abalos, Jr. of the Liberal Party won the mayoralty race by garnering a total of 11,684 votes over former vice governor Edna Tabanda who got 8,277 votes. Mayor Tim Galwan of the Lakas-Kampi came in third with 7,268 votes.

Galwan upset Abalos in the 2007 elections, leading by more than 1,000 votes. Abalos in his campaign sorties said he will lead a transparent administration in a government that will consult the people.