NEWSFLASH

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SORE LOSER HERBERT PROCLAIMS HIMSELF MAYOR

Quezon City, May 19, 1998 - Former Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista has proclaimed himself as winner in the mayoralty race despite placing second only to incumber Mayor Mel Mathay in the latest count.

With about 70% of the 6,942 precincts tallied by Namfrel, Mathay has been leading by more than 10,000 votes.

Bautista, candidate of the opposition party LAMMP for QC mayor, made the self-proclamation at the Quezon City Hall before leading a "victory motorcade" around the city. The actor-TV host thanked his supporters and said he won the elections over Mathay, who he accused of cheating during and after the elections.

In proclaiming himself, Bautista failed to show his basis claiming victory, but merely aired allegations that he was a victim of massive cheating.

Mayor Mathay brushed aside Bautista's accusations, and commended the actor's strong showing in the polls as an indication that the former vice mayor has a future in the field of politics.

"Bautista knows who won the election. He's just getting carried away by the influence of other candidates who are using him for their own political purposes," Mathay said, as he urged Bautista to await the official proclamation of the winners by the Comelec.