The three re-elected Bacolod Councilors of the Magnificent Seven, El Cid Familiaran, Archie Baribar and Sonya Verdeflor took their oath of office yesterday before Regional Trial Court Judge Ray Allan Drilon in Bacolod City in the presence of their families, supporters and friends.

Familiaran, who retained his place in the number one slot by garnering 98,156 votes, Baribar – 72,272 votes and Verdeflor – 64,432 votes, also held a caravan in Bacolod City Friday to thank their constituents for their support.

They vowed to give their best for the welfare of the City of Bacolod saying they value and consider sacred the fresh mandate give them.

Familiaran said he felt mixed emotions, considering that only three out of the seven candidates won, “How I wish all candidates of the Magnificent Seven won especially vice mayoralty candidate Renecito Novero,” he said.

He thanked the Bacolenos for their support and trust and confidence in them

Baribar also thanked the people for their support. He recalled that this was the most difficult, the most expensive and the most exhausting campaign they have experienced.

Verdeflor said “We are all winners because we have established a good friendship and relationship. This is a victory that will never vanish.”

She said that even if only the three of them made it, they will still be one family for the good of the city.

“God's message is for us to continue to work and give our best for the good of the city," she said.

They now consider themselves as the "three musketeers" since only three of them, out of the Magnificent 7, survived the elections.

They said that it was a difficult campaign but it was sustained to the finish considering that many people appreciated what they have done for the city in their first three-year term.

Meanwhile, Novero said they did their best during the campaign but one of the best things that happened to them is that their friendship grew closer and stronger.

“It is not a happy thing that some of our members including myself did not make it. But I thank God for that. I also thank our core group which helped us navigate through rough waters and family members who stood with us and even my wife,” he said.

Novero congratulated the re-elected councilors, adding that most of all, whether one won or lost, "I always believe that nobody loses for we are at the center of the will of God and I thank God for everything He allowed to happen even in this election.”*CGS

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