Manila, May 13 -- Catanduanes Governor-elect Patrick Azanza on Monday described his poll victory as both a miracle and a triumph for his constituents.

Azanza secured his victory with 76,169 votes, while his opponent, Peter Cua, the brother of Governor Joseph Cua, garnered 75,807 votes.

This race marked one of the closest gubernatorial contests in Catanduanes' history.

In his victory speech livestreamed on Radyo Peryodiko, Azanza noted that this was the first time in the province's history that a candidate won without significant political machinery.

"The responsibility now is even greater. We must open the doors of the Capitol to the people. Our programs must not be for personal gain but truly for the benefit of the public," he said....