2 weeks ago
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SANCHEZ MIRA, Cagayan — A medical doctor finally put an end to the 33-year reign of the Unite family in Ballesteros, Cagayan.
Dr. Robert Ogalino has been proclaimed by the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) board of canvassers as the new mayor of Ballesteros after garnering 9,376 votes, enough to dislodge vice mayor Violeta Unite in the mayoral race. The latter got 8,895 votes.
Members of the Unite family have been alternating on mayor and vice mayor positions in the past 33 years. Their reign ended on May 12, 2025.
Violeta's husband, incumbent Mayor Vincent Unite, however, won as vice mayor with 11, 155 votes against Ogalino's daughter, lawyer Genevie Ogalino, who received 6,788 votes.
In his message, Dr. Ogalino assured his "sincere service to all, regardless of political beliefs or backgrounds."
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"Thank you very much and rest assured I will serve the people of Ballesteros with all my capabilities, regardless of political affiliations," Ogalino said.
He also called for unity among the townspeople, including his political rivals, to put aside issues and work together for the good of the town.
"I also want to tell our political rivals that we should unite for the good of our town, so let's forget politics and work hard for our countrymen and for our town," he said.
