Town mayor beats congressman Tupas in Iloilo vice gov race

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Lee Ann Debuque, mayor of Anilao town, is fairly new in provincial poltics

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque, a fairly new politician, won as Iloilo vice governor, ending the electoral streak of veteran politician Raul “Boboy” Tupas.

Debuque, 31, defeated Tupas, currently the 5th District congressman, based on the final and official results from the Commission on Elections. 

Debuque received 547,462 votes or 51.95% of votes cast, while Tupas got 500,863 votes or 47.53%. A third candidate, independent Toto Mac2x Velasco, received 5,500 votes. 

Tupas, who previously served as Iloilo vice governor from 2013 to 2016, has dominated the 5th District. 

In the 1st District, a stronghold of the Garin political clan, Debuque narrowly edged out Tupas in a tight race. The Garins did not officially endorse any candidate for vice governor. 

Debuque sealed her victory after receiving overwhelming support from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th districts, where incumbent congressmen publicly endorsed her during the campaign period.

Debuque said she did not expect to dominate the four districts, but remained optimistic throughout the campaign, citing the warm reception she received from voters.

“We are very happy with the results that we have, considering that I am still a newbie and a newcomer to provincial politics,” she said in a press conference on Tuesday, May 13. “The voters saw my sincerity to lead and our vision for Iloilo, which is aligned with the plans of the governor for his last three years.”

Debuque said her energy and dynamism will complement the wisdom and experience of reelected Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. 

The vice governor-elect vowed to focus on key programs in healthcare, education, and tourism. 

Tupas has conceded, and urged his supporters to respect the will of the people. This marks his first electoral loss since starting his political career as mayor of Barotac Viejo in 2001. 

“The outcome is a normal result of our democratic process. The public has the right to choose their leaders,” he said in Hiligaynon. “Despite the challenges of the campaign, we strove to maintain respect toward everyone, whether ally or opponent.”

Defensor, who ran unopposed for his last term, received 811,746 votes for governor. He expressed confidence that, with Debuque as his vice governor, he could have a “strong finish” in his final term. 

Defensor and Debuque were proclaimed winners by the Provincial Board of Canvassers on Tuesday afternoon. – Rappler.com