With the survey results in the gubernatorial and congressional derby a foregone conclusion, the intense focus is in the city mayoralty race with the mayoralty contender of the Liberal Party towing his close rivals as he topped in the latest Bohol Poll 2013 of the Holy Name University Research Center. Released yesterday, lawyer Augustinus “Dodong” Gonzaga polled a commanding lead of 47 percentage points voters’ preference, widening the gap over his closest rival Baba Yap who got a down trend of 28%. Third candidate Abraham Lim, brother of outgoing city mayor Dan Lim got a dismal 16%. The latest poll survey results covered the period from April 21 to May 5, or barely a week before the elections on Monday. In the first district congressional contest, incumbent Rene Lopez Relampagos maintained a big lead of 70% as against contender Dan Lim who got only a measly 21%. Gov. Edgar Chatto also widened his edge with 72% over opposition candidate Che Toribio Delos Reyes who got only 22%.

In the city vice mayoralty race, Gonzaga’s running mate Toto Veloso also got an overwhelming 47%; Yap’s runningmate Mariquit Oppus 25% while Abe Lim’s tandem Jas Montes got only 20%. “The HNU Bohol Poll Survey had said it all. There is no more question or doubt as to the results pointing to the Gonzaga-Veloso team as city voters’ preferred candidates for the coming Monday elections,” Gonzaga said. “These results, however, should not make us complacent; - rather, we must become more vigilant up to the last minute of counting so as not to frustrate the true will of the people,” Gonzaga exhorted his supporters. Gonzaga, a lawyer, 1971 Constitution draft researcher and a former city councilor, was able to reverse the survey-trending with a constant rise in statistics; - from only 13% in the initial survey in September 2012 (Yap 55%); 23% in January 2013 (Yap 47%); 30% in March 2013 (Yap 37%); 34% in April 2013 (Yap slid to 28%) and the last poll result of 47% for April 21-May 5 (Yap nailed to 28%) confirming his phenomenal rise in voters’ acceptance and preference. LP official candidates Governor Edgar Chatto and First District Congressman Rene Relampagos have strongly endorsed Gonzaga, his running mate Toto Veloso and the whole GV Express Team as the only choice to lead Tagbilaran “Kausaban, Kauswagan, Kaayuhan” (change, progress and prosperity).

Gonzaga was a target of an orchestrated smear campaign in the past few weeks. The demolition blitz came following his phenomenal rise in the poll results and many radio informal random surveys. “Tagbilaranons have realized now and are aware of the deceptions and lies peddled by our opponents. The final HNU poll survey results showed that the city is ready for change, - for the better,” Gonzaga said. Gonzaga cited in particular, a deceptive issue used against him; - that he is Manila-based and he won’t be staying in Tagbilaran because his work and family is in the capital city of Manila. “I want to serve Tagbilaran and what they are peddling is contrary to what is prevailing in my life today. I would introduce a new kind of leadership that will truly respect and serve people, different from the neglect and the authoritarian rule we experienced today,” Gonzaga stressed. It can be noted that candidate Baba Yap is a nephew of outgoing city mayor Dan Lim, while third candidate Abe Lim is a brother of the city mayor. It is during the rule of mayor Lim that the city had experienced its worst condition; - in basic services and road-infra–project neglect. “If city residents are not wary of this web of power transfer among same siblings, then the city will fall in the wrong hands again. But with the trend going in the right direction, Tagbilaranons themselves will be able to save the city when they will vote for the whole LP city slate this Monday,” Gonzaga said.