Mariano “Nonong” Araneta was re-elected president of the Philippine Football Federation on Friday.

Araneta prevailed over Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) president Ricky Yanson, 23-12, during the election coinciding with 16th PFF Congress at Century Park Hotel in Manila.

Araneta, who immediately extended a conciliatory hand to Yanson, received strong support from the Mindanao bloc, led by his running mate M’lang, Cotabato town mayor Joselito Piñol, who was also re-elected vice president.

Also boosting Araneta’s candidacy was the entry of three Philippines Football League clubs: Ceres Negros FC, Kaya Iloilo and Stallion Laguna, which secured voting rights after their membership to the PFF, the sport's national governing body, was approved earlier.

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“The toughest part of the campaign was the vicious attack on my character,” said Araneta. “But most of the members here believe in my ability. They trusted me and for another four-year term."

Meanwhile, Yanson, who was critical of the PFF's lack of age-group tournaments, accepted defeat.

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