Padilla, Cuaresma retain posts in Nueva Vizcaya

By Leander S. Domingo

BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya -- Gov. Carlos Padilla retained his post as governor of the province after beating a newbie in the gubernatorial race.
    Promising continued progress in the province, Padilla garnered 143,552 votes to win over incumbent Vice Gov. Jose Tomas who netted 97,774 votes.
    After only one term as presiding officer of the provincial board, Tomas decided to challenge Padilla who will now serve his last term as governor.
    A majority of the Novo Vizcayano expected this to be a close fight between the veteran politician and the newcomer who is an Ifugao. But based on the unofficial returns on Tuesday, Padilla will walk away with a landslide win.
    Meanwhile, Jose "Jing" Gambito, making a comeback for the vice governor post, received 123,079 votes to defeat fellow lawyer Lambert Galima who amassed 101,664 votes.
    Both Gambito and Galima previously served the Nueva Vizcaya provincial board as member and vice governor.
    Meanwhile, Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, running for her last term as representative for the lone district of Nueva Vizcaya, won the election.
    Cuaresma garnered 165,360 votes with a wide margin over provincial board member Flodemonte Gerdan (62,115) and Lawrence Santa Ana (1,388).