Floirendos still rule Davao Norte

DAVAO CITY — The clan of political kingpin and banana magnate Antonio Floirendo Sr. once again proved it has a firm grip on Davao del Norte politics as re-electionist Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario overwhelmingly trounced former Agriculture Secretary Roberto Sebastian in Monday’s elections.

The Commission on Elections proclaimed Del Rosario, Floi—rendo’s brother-in-law, Thursday night after garnering 160,534 votes versus Sebastian’s 76,067.

The Del Rosario-Sebastian rivalry heightened after the People Power Coalition picked the latter to be its gubernatorial bet. This, despite Del Rosario being a consistent, staunch member of the Lakas-NUCD.

The Sebastians actually suffered a double blow as Roberto’s daughter June Genevieve was also beaten by incumbent Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. in the second congressional district race.

Del Rosario’s running mate, Victorio Suaybaguio, also made it as vice governor with 158,337 versus Virgilio Boiser’s 58,075.

The Comelec also proclaimed Arnel Olaño as first district congressman. He edged out former Rep. Bal Sator. — Edith Regalado