Same surnames, same power: CAMANAVA mayors reelected

Familiar names will head the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela after incumbent mayoral candidates emerged victorious in the midterm elections.

In Navotas and Valenzuela, both Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Mayor Weslie ‘Wes’ Gatchalian ran unopposed as they enter their second term.

Tiangco’s vice mayor, Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez, will also serve a second consecutive term after likewise running unopposed.

Toby Tiangco, who also served as the campaign manager of the administration's Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, emerged victorious against Tony Ibañez for the congressional seat of Navotas City.

The Tiangco brothers have held the top governmental positions of Navotas City since 2000.

In Valenzuela, the Gatchalian family continues its stronghold. Aside from Mayor Wes, Kenneth — second eldest of the Gatchalian brothers — entered politics after defeating Tony Espritu and Jing Hernandez for the congressional seat of the first district.

Kat Martinez, wife of senatorial candidate Eric Martinez, suffered a defeat against independent candidate Gerald Galang.

The Malapitan clan further solidified their hold on Caloocan City’s leadership, with Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan winning the mayoral race and Oscar Malapitan securing a congressional seat.

Mayor “Along” Malapitan was proclaimed city mayor after receiving at least 340,000 votes, defeating former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, who received at least 226,000 votes. Incumbent Vice Mayor Karina Teh also succeeded in defending her position.

Along’s father, Oscar, secured his second consecutive term for the first district of Caloocan City after defeating Rey Malonzo and independent candidate Johram Alama.

Former lawmaker Edgar “Egay” Erice made his comeback to the House of Representatives after defeating Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy for the second district.

Erice was previously disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for allegedly “spreading false and alarming reports” regarding a joint venture with a vote machine supplier.

A P100-million lawsuit was also filed by Cajayon-Uy against Erice for lewd remarks allegedly made during a political caucus.

In Malabon City, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval will hold the mayoral post for a second consecutive term after defeating Rep. Jaye Lacson-Noel.

Antolin “Lenlen” Oreta III will make his congressional debut after defeating Jeannie’s husband, Ricky Sandoval; Jaye’s spouse, Bem Lacson-Noel; and Ninong Dela Cruz.

All candidates were proclaimed by their respective branches of the Comelec on Tuesday morning.