By BEHN FER. HORTALEZA, JR.

WITH Commission on Elections official count just about to start today, unofficial first returns point to a victory for re-electionist Congressman and House Speaker Jose C. de Venecia in the fourth district of Pangasinan. He is leading his worthy rival, Dagupan City Mayor Benjie S. Lim 65%-35%.

Lim’s spirited and apparently well-funded fight against the veteran legislator provided one of the most exciting national-local fights in this election.

Lim’s son, Brian who manages the family’s Magic chain of superstores, and who was thrust into a fight with resigned Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez, Jr., for the city mayoralty post. also appears to be losing to the veteran politician in most of Dagupan’s polling precincts by almost the same percentage ratio

Fernandez’s running mate and vice mayoralty candidate Belen Fernandez, the mall magnate, in contrast, is way ahead of her rival for the post, Councilor Vladmir Mata, in the first returns.

In San Carlos City, the only area in Pangasinan placed under the control of the Commission on Elections following the murder of City Mayor Julian “Jolly” Resuello last April 28, the mayoralty fight between Julier Resuelo, the slain mayor’s son, and former Mayor Douglas Soriano still appears too close to call despite so-called sympathy votes for the Resuellos over the family tragedy.

The city that hugged national headlines when its mayor was slain during the city fiesta coronation ceremonies right at the city plaza has been the most guarded area by the police and contingents from the military to avoid a repeat of the violence.

Re-electionist Mayor Hernani Braganza of Alaminos City is headed for a comfortable win over challenger Councilor Cesar Manzano. Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo Perez quest for another term is in the bag likewise.

The gubernatorial race has Dr. Jamie Eloise Agbayani, the governor’s wife, leading the pack with Rep. Amado T. Espino and Vice Governor Oscar B. Lambino leading in some towns but generally losing out to Agbayani in total tallies province-wide.

In Mangaldan town, incumbent Mayor Herminio Romero has apparently clinched a win over comebacking former Mayor Tito B. Sarzaba, early returns from Mangaldan precincts showed.

A great upset is virtualy unfolding in Sta. Barbara town where retired Police Gen. Reynaldo Velasco and his vice mayoralty running-mate Ruben Jose (Nationalist People’s Coalition )are trouncing the Lakas-CMD team of incumbent Mayor Carlito Zaplan and Onofre Palaganas.

In Binmaley, incumbent town executive Simplicio Rosario of the administration Lakas party was also beating comebacking former Mayor Roland Domalanta of Nationalist People’s Coalition.