Pineda proclaimed Pampanga governor

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Former provincial board member Lilia Pineda was formally proclaimed winner in the closely watched gubernatorial race in Pampanga, beating priest-turned-governor Ed Panlilio.

With her victory, Pineda becomes the first elected woman governor of the province. Records show that Juanita Nepomuceno became Pampanga governor in 1976 but she was only appointed, not elected.

Pineda, a close ally of President Arroyo, garnered 488,521 votes, beating her two rivals – Panlilio of the Liberal Party (LP) who got 242,367 votes, and Ricardo Ocampo.

Ms Arroyo was also proclaimed winner in the second district congressional race, getting 169,109 votes against the 19,516 votes of LP’s Adonis Simpao.

Pineda said she would give priority to quality health care for her cabalen by putting up a dialysis center and a hospital with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

She said she would assign an officer in each town and city to look after the needs of its constituents who no longer have to go to the provincial capitol to seek assistance.

Also proclaimed were re-elected Vice Gov. Joseller Guiao and incumbent Reps. Carmelo Lazatin (first district), Aurelio Gonzales (third district) and Anna York Bondoc (fourth district), and the provincial board members-elect. – With DC