Badoc’s Torralbas lose grip on power

Badoc mayor-elect Maximo Cajigal (in blue) is proclaimed. (Lei Adriano photo)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

BADOC, Ilocos Norte—Over the past 15 years, the Torralbas of Badoc, Ilocos Norte have ruled this town; the 2016 elections saw their downfall.

Badoc Vice Mayor Thomas “Tom” Torralba, a former Badoc mayor himself, tried to reclaim his old post currently held by his wife, Arlene; but he toppled by former Badoc councilor and Liga ng mga Barangay president, now mayor-elect Maximo Cajigal.

The incumbent mayor, ran for her husband’s current post but was also beaten by Mr. Cajigal’s running mate, Alwyn Rubio.

The Torralba couple have been swapping positions as mayor and vice mayor of this town from 2001 to 2016. Mr. Torralba was mayor for three terms; while Mrs. Torralba had two terms as local chief executive. Mrs. Torralba was expected to finish her third and last term, after running unopposed in 2013, but the emergence of Messrs. Cajigal and Rubio forced the couple to swap positions, in the belief that Mr. Torralba would perform in the elections better if he ran for mayor.

The Torralbas have been a long-time ally of the Marcoses, particularly Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos. But in this year’s election, Ms. Marcos and the Nacionalista Party backed Messrs. Cajigal and Rubio.

Promising a “brand new day and leadership” for Badoc residents, Messrs. Cajigal and Rubio both received overwhelming support from Badoc’s electorate on May 9.

“A new morning has come! Our lady La Virgen Milagrosa, have mercy on us. Guide our new mayor Maximo Cajigal,” chanted supporters as the local election officers proclaimed the newly-elected officials of Badoc town.

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