Governor Vi, Leviste proclaimed

BATANGAS , Philippines  – Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto and her running mate Vice Gov. Marc Leviste were proclaimed winners in Monday’s polls by the Provincial Board of Canvassers yesterday.

Despite the still uncanvassed election returns from Calaca and Balayan towns and Batangas City, the Commission of Elections approved the early declaration of winners as these would no longer affect the vote leads.

Based on more than 90 percent canvassed election returns, Santos-Recto got 498,158 votes against her rival Edna Sanchez’s 312,881 votes – or a difference of 185,277.

Leviste, for his part, got 550,937 against Edwin Ermita’s 206,701 votes.

Also proclaimed were congressmen-elect Tomas Apacible for the first district as he beat former Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita; Hermilando Mandanas, second district; Nelson Collantes, third district; and Mark Leandro Mendoza, fourth district.

Actor Christopher de Leon got elected as second district board member.