Manila, Philippines– For almost two decades, Arnel Garces has been cleaning and digging graves for a living in Taal, Batangas.
But little did he know that his life will change when he ran in the just-concluded election: He won as councilor in the town.
Garces got 17,787 votes, the highest among all candidates vying for the position.
This is not Garces’ first try in politics. He ran in 2013 but lost.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa lahat ng nagpursigi at tumulong sa aking laban na ito, lalo na sa mga taong pinakinggan ang aking hiling na mahalal sa konseho,” Garces said in an interview.
The newly-elected councilor still couldn’t believe he won.
“Hindi din po ako naniniwala. Bilang independent, hindi ko po ito inaasahan dahil siguro po bilang independent inaasahan kong halimbawa manalo man ay pangwalo pero ako’y nasurpresa.” Garces said.
Garces was former Barangay Tierra Alta chairman in 2006 to 2009. (Photo from the Konsehal Arnel Garces facebook page)
