President Bongbong Marcos, in his youthful exuberance after the “peaceful and orderly holding of the elections with dignity,” repeated what his late father, former President Marcos Sr., said on what the Filipino people must do after the healthy democratic exercise.

“If we are to prevail, we must prevail as Filipinos — for it is the only way to endure. If we are to attain our goal, we must march forward, not to the past but to the future. And we must do this as one family, a nation united.”

PBBM expressed his gratitude to all the Filipinos who exercised their right to vote.

He congratulated the victorious and called for unity: “To the newly elected, regardless of party or coalition, I extend my hand. Let us move forward together — with open minds and a common purpose.”

In the local elections, there were triumphs in some places and debacles in others.

In Parañaque City, it was “Olivarez country forever!” First District Representative Edwin Olivarez won the mayoral race.

He will swap posts with his brother, erstwhile Mayor Eric Olivarez, who won the 1st District congressional race where he was unopposed.

Olivarez won the mayoral race with 142,386 votes over his closest challenger, independent candidate Drew Uy who criticized wealthy politicians and political dynasties in his campaign. Uy got 63,556 votes.

In the race for Parañaque vice mayor, Benjo Bernabe (PFP) garnered 130,291 votes to win over incumbent Joan Villafuerte (Lakas) who received 123,193 votes.

In the 2nd legislative district, incumbent Gus Tambunting (NUP) got 72,765 votes to suffer his first political debacle ever to newcomer Brian Yamsuan (IND) who received a whopping 82,700 votes for a convincing victory.

To the keen political observers in the city, Yamsuan’s was an upset victory because Gus was very popular. According to reports, Yamsuan promised the most sought-after health care benefits, with free first-class medical attention, for all those who get sick, in the “hospitals of their choice,” and “it caught fire!” Yamsuan, according to reports, is known for his philanthropy and has a well-established credibility with his words.

In the case of Mayor Eric Olivarez, who won in Parañaque’s 1st District unopposed, it was like dancing The Blue Danube waltz.

Eric Olivarez is a politician who holds a doctorate degree in education, is a nurse and a sports buff.

When he assumed the mayorship of Parañaque in 2022, the first thing he did was to reorganize his executive staff with a “rigodon” among heads of departments, giving “a fresh start for everyone in his new office.”

On Tuesday next week we shall have more of Dr. Eric Olivarez and his brother, soon Mayor Edwin, together in their creative planning and responsible leadership, for more economic and infrastructure projects to complement President Bongbong Marcos’ massive construction projects that are reshaping Metro Manila.

We shall have more of roses and tears, triumphs and debacles in the local elections.

Email: artbesana@gmail.com