BANGUED, Abra (PIA) – The political families of the Bernoses and Valeras still dominated the top local posts in the province after the May 9, 2022 elections.

Incumbent Bangued Mayor Dominic 'Dads' Valera was proclaimed the winner of the position of Governor by the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) at around 7:00PM of May 10. He will succeed incumbent Governor Joy Valera-Bernos, his daughter, who is elected as the Vice Governor.

The Valera father-daughter  team won handily over two other prominent political  families  in Abra- the uncle-niece  tandem  of  former  governor Eustaquio  “Takit”  Bersamin and Chari Bersamin,  and daughter-father  tandem of  Derdrei 'Dey-dey' Luna-Ifurung  and Roger Luna  for the  governor and vice governor positions, respectively.  

For the position of the representative for the Lone District of Abra, unopposed candidate La Paz Mayor Menchie 'Ching' Bernos was officially proclaimed winner. She will swap position with   husband, incumbent Congressman Joseph Sto. Niño "JB" Bernos,   who ran unopposed and   proclaimed as La Paz mayor at around 8PM on May 9.

In Bangued, incumbent Vice-Mayor Mila Valera, Dominic’s wife,   won the mayoralty race over Deydey Luna's brother Ryan Luna and Chari Bersamin's sister Anne Bersamin.

Kiko Bernos, son of Gov.  Joy, also dominated the vice mayoralty position winning over Luna's brother Buc Luna and Ghed Plurad Edaño.

 In Pidigan, incumbent mayor Joseph Domino Valera, Gov. Joy’s brother, got a fresh mandate for another three years.

In the municipality of Danglas, incumbent Mayor Denise Florence "Poyee" Bernos-Bragas, sister of Cong.  Bernos, was   reelected while their mother, Esther Bernos, was proclaimed the newly elected vice mayor.

Meanwhile, the Valera-Bernos-allied “Asenso” line up for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan positions for both District I and II all won. For District 1 are Victorino Baroña Jr., Henrietta Gayao, Rodolofo De la Paz, and Amador Diaz. For District II are Russel Bragas, Allan Seares, Gina Jenkins, and Pat Abaya.

 In his message during the proclamation, Governor-elect Valera asked for unity among Abreños, regardless of political colors, towards further development and a better province.

 "Let us join and hands and work together for a better province,” Valera stressed.

Gov Joy Bernos recognized the efforts of the men in uniform in maintaining peace and order during the election day.

As assessed by the PNP and Comelec, the conduct of the May 9 elections in Abra was generally peaceful even as the municipality of Pilar was put under Comelec control. (JDP/CAGT - PIA CAR, Abra)