Languyan town mayor is now governor-elect of Tawi-tawi province

Goverrnor Yshmali "Mhang" Sali

TAWI-TAWI --- This province in the Sulu Archipelago will have a new governor on July 1 in the person of Yshmael “Mhang” Sali, the outgoing mayor of the Municipality of Languyan.

        Local government chief executives will start their three-year term of office on July 1 following the May 13 elections.

 The Commission on Elections proclaimed “Mhang” Sali (National Unity Party) as Tawi-tawi governor-elect after garnering 92,795 votes against political kingpin Sadikul “Dick” Sahali (LDP) who managed to get only 62,887 votes.

Tawi-tawi province has 11 municipalities with more than 250,000 registered voters.

Governor-elect Sali is thankful to his supporters and other stakeholders for his election as the next provincial chief executive, saying: “I should say nothing more, except reiterating my commitment that I have mentioned during the campaign period. We hope to accomplish  the construction of more school buildings in the island-municipalities and municipal hospitals, the upgrading of the Rural Health Units per municipality down to the barangay level… and uplifting the living conditions of the people through education.”

He said the provincial government has to look on the priority needs of the poor sector, especially the senior citizens needing care and attention.

“I also look forward to the infra-projects that the constituents of this province would benefit most… We have to further advance in development with sustainable peace and order as always a top concern in our desire for progression… We also support the advocacy of our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in the campaign against illegal drugs.”

The Commission on Elections  also proclaimed  Michail ”Tati” Ahaja (NUP) as vice governor-elect, Sali’s running mate. Ahaja garnered a total of 87,042 votes against his opponent, former assemblyman of the Regional Legislative Assembly, Hji. Anwar Abubakar, with 55,162 votes.

Proclaimed as congressman-elect is Rashidin Matba, also of NUP, with of 87.035 votes against the outgoing Congresswoman Ruby Sahali (PDP-Laban) with 69,033 votes.

Almost all proclaimed candidates from congressional down to municipal level of this province are affiliated with the NUP.  (Anne Acosta)