EXCEPT for a re-electionist Dagupan city councilor, the entire slate of the ruling Lakas-CMD party led by former immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez, Jr. ruled the May 14 election in the city.

Fernandez led by a big margin over his rival Brian Lim, son of Mayor Benjamin S. Lim who himself suffered defeat in the congressional fight against re-electionist Congressman Jose de Venecia, Jr.

Only re-electionist alderman Alex de Venecia fell by the wayside, landing number 11.

Carlos Reyna, grandson of former Mayor Liberato Reyna, was the only candidate of the Lim ticket who survived the onslaught. A first-timer, he took the ninth spot.

Former Councilor Belen Fernandez was way ahead of her rival Councilor Vladimir Mata.

Three other newcomers composed the incoming 10-member city council – Dr. Jesus Canto, who just retired as head of the Region l Medical Center, Alfie Fernandez, a dentist-lawyer and the eldest son of the comebacking mayor, and former Bonuan Boquig barangay captain Alfredo Quinto, who used to be ex-officio member of the council being the Liga ng mga barangay president.

Canto placed a strong third, while the young Fernandez took the fifth slot. Quinto occupied the 10th and the last spot.

The re-elected councilors were Farah Decano who took the top spot, Michael Fernandez, second; Librada Reyna, who is Carlos’ first cousin, fourth, Danilo Torio, sixth; Jose Netu Tamayo, seventh, and Luis Samson, Jr., eighth.

The city board of canvassers proclaimed the new city officials last Thursday evening. (DOS)