Zambo mayor trashes rival

Mayor Beng Climaco

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Female power proved true for Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar, who defeated Rep. Celso Lobregat in what could be a historical victory against a powerful political clan that ruled Zamboanga for many decades now. Salazar won overwhelmingly with over 30,000 votes against Lobregat, who was once touted as the richest mayor in Mindanao, and one of the longest and oldest serving members of the House of Representatives. Garnering over 130,000 votes, Salazar campaigned hard and tirelessly, which could be a humiliating defeat for Lobregat, who claimed to have the support of nearly 80 percent of barangay (village) chairmen and various sectors in Zamboanga. His younger brother, Jomar, also ran for a congressional seat but was defeated for the second time since 2013. Salazar’s grandfather, Cesar Climaco, considered the greatest mayor of Zamboanga, also defeated Lobregat’s mother, Maria Clara, 35 years ago. (The Zamboanga Post)