DESPITE a number of mayoral wins by Paglaum allies, outgoing Gov. Peter Unabia and his two sons failed in their election bids on May 12, based on final and official results with 100% of votes counted as of 2:41 pm on May 15.
Unabia, running under the Paglaum banner, garnered 235,023 votes—well short of Governor-elect Juliette Uy of the National Unity Party, who secured 327,305 votes across the province.
About 13 Paglaum-aligned mayoral candidates won their races but failed to deliver victories for Unabia. These municipalities include Gingoog City, Magsaysay, Medina, Claveria, Opol, El Salvador City, Alubijid, Libertad, Manticao, Naawan, Lugait, Jasaan and Tagoloan.
In Claveria, second district, Paglaum mayoral bet Reynante Salvaleon won with 16,982 votes. However, Unabia only received 11,621 votes in the same locality, while Uy garnered 18,515.
In Gingoog City, re-elected Mayor Erick Cañosa secured a strong 68,934 votes, yet Unabia managed only 35,221, losing again to Uy who had 42,603 votes. Cañosa also failed to help Rep. Christian Unabia, the governor’s son, win re-election in the first congressional district. Christian received 35,566 votes, while Congresswoman-elect Karen Lagbas took 44,243.
In Tagoloan, unopposed Mayor Nadya Emano received 34,108 votes. Unabia received only 16,045, while Uy had 21,723. Second District Rep. Bambi Emano tallied 32,740.
Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Jigjag Pelaez was re-elected with 285,650 votes, defeating Frederick Khu, who got 169,760.
In the congressional races:
First District: Karen Lagbas won with 140,549 votes, defeating outgoing Rep. Christian Unabia (112,758).
Second District: Rep. Bambi Emano was re-elected with 241,177 votes, beating Manuel Po (25,608).
Notably, Gov. Unabia’s 235,023 votes were fewer than those of several Paglaum allies, including Pelaez and Emano.
In the board member races:
First District: Marlon Kho (109,382), Rey Buhisan (103,563), and Jabi Bernaldez (95,321) were re-elected. Newcomers included Vice Mayor Rommel Maslog of Talisayan (106,737) and Gingoog City Councilor Roy Aniscal (88,448).
Second District: Re-elected were Saysay Emano (186,821), Dexter Yasay (148,092), Princess Emano (130,851), Pangky Acain (123,002), and former board member Nancy Madjos (131,940). Among them, only Princess Emano is not allied with Paglaum.
In Talisayan, incumbent Mayor Rico Taray was unseated by former fire marshal retired Col. Ciriaco Talines (NUP), who received 9,016 votes to Taray’s 8,670.
Unabia only won in areas where his allies also triumphed: Balingoan, Binuangan, and Initao.
