Ebdane Wins In Zambales, Paulino Jr. in Olongapo City

In a reversal of fortunes, Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. registered a decisive win over incumbent Zambales Governor Amor Deloso in the just concluded May 13 midterm elections.

Ebdane got a clear 22,975 margin with 151,667 votes over Deloso’s 128,692 votes.

With 181,402 votes, his running-mate Subic Town Mayor Jay Khonghun also won over his rival, incumbent Vice-Gov. Angel Magsaysay, despite being named by President Rodrigo Duterte in an alleged list of government officials involved in illegal drugs..

Khonghun has denied any connection to the illegal drug trade.

Deloso won over Ebdane in an upset in 2016, cutting short the latter’s term that began in 2010.

Ebdane has held various national government posts before running for governor of Zambales, setting aside his sight for the presidency.

He headed the Philippine National Police (PNP), was Secretary of the Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH), Sec. of the Department. of National Defense (DND), and Sec.of the Dept. of Interior & Local Government (DILG), among others.

Meanwhile, 28-year-old Rolen Paulino, Jr., handily defeated veteran politician Anne Gordon for the mayor’s seat in Olongapo City.

Paulino Jr. replaced his father and namesake incumbent City Mayor Rolen Paulino, Sr. as candidate within the prescribed period prior to the actual elections.

Paulino Jr. got 58,131 votes while Gordon garnered 26,859.

Vice Mayor Jong Cortez, who ran as independent retained his post.

Zambales 1st District Representative Jeff Khonghun retained his congressional post for Olongapo City with 53,420 votes, defeating former Congresswoman Mitos Magsaysay.

Cheryl Deloso also retained her seat as Zambales 2nd Congressional District Representative. (VVV)