Sol Aragones wins Laguna gubernatorial race

Sol Aragones, a former congresswoman and broadcast journalist, has won the gubernatorial race in Laguna on her second attempt.

She was officially proclaimed as governor after garnering 635,570 votes, surpassing her main rivals, incumbent Second District Rep. Ruth Hernandez (548,286 votes), Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez (285,373 votes), and incumbent Vice Governor Karen Agapay (114,758 votes).

Hernandez and Fernandez have conceded the election.

Aragones will be succeeding the term-limited Governor Ramil Hernandez, who has been the governor since 2014.

Improving healthcare services in Laguna is Aragones' top priority, with plans to establish free pharmacies in every town and city and enhance public hospital services.

She stated that her experience as a health reporter influenced her understanding of the health needs of the province's residents.

Aragones also vowed to prohibit rude behavior in hospitals and government offices.

She will lead a capitol without much traditional allies, as the winners of the vice gubernatorial race and the election for provincial board members came from rival parties.

Aragones stated that their differences in color and party are now behind them.

Vice Governor-elect JM Carait said that their functions are purely legislative, like checks and balances, so whatever the programs of the governor are, they will support it.