Rep. Legarda gets new mandate with landslide win in Antique
OVERWHELMING MANDATE. Antique reelected Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda (third from left) is proclaimed by the Antique Provincial Board of Canvassers at the Antique Legislative Building on Wednesday (May 14, 2025). (PNA photo by AJ PETINGLAY)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique — Antique Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda received an overwhelming mandate from Antiqueños with his landslide win in his reelection bid against opponent, Governor Rhodora Cadiao.
Legarda garnered 210,491 votes against the 120,203 votes of Cadiao.
He was proclaimed the winner by the Provincial Board of Canvassers, chaired by Commission on Elections Acting Assistant Regional Director and concurrent Antique Provincial Election Supervisor Wil Arceño on Wednesday.
He will be working with Governor-elect Paolo Everardo Javier, who was proclaimed by the PBOC on Tuesday evening.
“I have already talked with Paolo, and we have agreed to work in synergy for the welfare of the people and province,” Legarda said in an interview.
One of his priorities for the second term is to look for funding for the 15-kilometer road project in the municipality of San Remigio.
This plan will provide access to the upland Barangay Panpanan.
He will also work for eco-tourism and push for an economic zone in Antique for livelihood generation.
He also encouraged senior high students to enlist for educational assistance because he will work this out with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
“You may now have yourselves (students) listed down with your barangay captains or mayors so I can submit it to the DSWD for cross-matching,” he said.
Legarda will also work with national government agencies to provide the youth with opportunities in education, sports development and livelihood.
Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda, who witnessed the proclamation of her youngest brother, said he won because of his vision, leadership, positivity and sincerity in public service.
“The landslide is not our (Legarda) victory, but of every family. It is a clear validation of the importance of unity and cooperation among the people,” she said./apl
