INQUIRER Sports

SARANGANI, Philippines ? Manny Pacquiao has been declared winner of the congressional race in the province after a canvassing of the votes showed he trounced his rival by nearly 60,000 votes.

Pacquiao, who got 120,052 votes, was formally proclaimed as the province?s delegate to the House of Representatives on Thursday night.

Pacquiao?s win was also historical because he ended the reign of one of the country?s oldest political families.

His opponent, Roy Chiongbian, is a scion of the Chiongbian family that has been in power for more than 30 years.

Pacquiao was reconciliatory during his proclamation, saying he wished to work with his opponents for the betterment of the province.

Chiongbian was also gracious in defeat. He urged the residents to rally behind Pacquiao and other elected officials.