DAVAO CITY — Mayor Sara Z. Duterte has hailed Dabawenyos for their straight vote for 12 Senate candidates backed by her political party, the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), a first in this city’s history.
“I have said that I feel alone every day, stressing over making sure Davao City is okay but when I am in distress, Dabawenyos carry me on their backs,” she said in her Instagram message on Wednesday.
“Sa tanan kalisod, baha, bagyo ug kani nga election sa senador wala gyud ko ninyo gibiyaan (In all the challenges, flooding, storm and this election for senators, you never left me),” Sara said, admitting she was emotional when writing her message.
Sara was the campaign manager of HNP, the regional party she formed along with the four Davao Region governors – Claude Bautista of Davao Occidental, Jayvee Tyron Uy of Compostela Valley, Anthony del Rosario of Davao del Norte, and Nelson Dayanghirang of Davao Oriental.
She went campaigning with the HNP-backed candidates all throughout the 90-day election period.
The mayor said she is humbled by the results of the May 13 elections as she quoted Luke 12:48: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required”.
She admitted to have cried when she learned that Davao City delivered a 12-0 vote for the senatorial candidates of the HNP. “The tears flowed and the sobbing followed,” she said.
“Daghang salamat sa inyong tanan (Thank you very much to all of you),” the mayor said, vowing to work harder “until I break.”
In the final election count in Davao City, Dabawenyos voted for Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go (533,550); Ronald dela Rosa (518,778); Pia Cayetano (448,599); Cynthia Villar (445,757); Francis Tolentino (400,297); Sonny Angara (384,773); Imee Marcos (367,008); JV Ejercito (322,773); Koko Pimentel (297,452); Dong Mangudadatu (297,338); Bong Revilla (239,899); and Jinggoy Estrada (225,217).
In the 13th, 14th and 15th ranks are Grace Poe (207,861); Lito Lapid (172,055); and Jiggy Manicad (166,454), respectively.
Meanwhile, the three Dutertes – Sara for mayor, Sebastian “Baste” for vice mayor, and Paolo for first district congressional representative, were proclaimed poll winners around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday along with the first district city councilors.
All three were not around and were represented by HNP lawyers Eduardo Legaspina and Warren Leong. Sara garnered 580,440 votes against independent candidate Marcelino Marcellones’ 4,270.
Unopposed for vice mayor, Sebastian got 558,128 votes.
Paolo won with total votes of 197,370 over Susan Uyanguren with 5,135 votes and Rex Labis with 2,124 votes.
In a statement, Paolo thanked the people of the first district for choosing him to be their representative in Congress.
“I am truly humbled and at the same time, honored by your trust and support to me,” he said.
He also thanked the volunteers, friends, and family for their dedication and hard work during the campaign.
Paolo vowed to be not only the voice and strength of his constituents in the House of Representatives but also a strong supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte in achieving his vision for the country.
On the other hand, the Top 10 party-list groups that received the most votes from Dabawenyos are: PBA (123,211); Dumper PTDA (66,756); Marino (52,242); ACT-CIS (48,962); Duterte Youth (18,526); RAM (12,072); Bayan Muna (9,767); Coop NATCCO (8,858); Senior Citizens (8,845); and 1Pacman (7,040). (PNA)
