BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Representative-elect Mercedes Alvarez (6th district, Negros Occidental) strongly debunked allegations that their family was behind in what has been described as the “shocking electoral defeat” of Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco in the May 9 elections.
Zayco, who is about to end his second term as mayor of Kabankalan City, lost to Tan-awan barangay kagawad Benjie Miranda.
Miranda’s 36,889 votes defeated Zayco who had 36,611 votes.
It was not known, as of this time, if Zayco will contest the election results in Kabankalan City.
Alvarez pointed out that she and her father, Rep. Genaro Alvarez, as well as Zayco, are members of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.
As to the reason why Miranda managed to defeat Zayco, Alvarez admitted that said she cannot explain what happened.
“We trust the voting process, we will respect the decision,” she stressed.
Meanwhile, the Kabankalan City government denied that Zayco was hospitalized, stressing that he is continuing his work at the City Hall.
Other incumbent officials who lost in the May 9 elections were Silay City Mayor Mark Andrew Golez, Fifth District Rep. Marilou Arroyo and Mayor Ernesto Estrao, a vice mayoralty candidate in Hinobaan.*
