Political dynasties again dominated the May 2025 Philippine elections, but a growing anti-dynasty sentiment during the election campaign made an impact “to a certain extent,” said Luie Tito Guia of the Democratic Insights Group, former commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“I think it did to a certain extent. The blatant display of dynastic politics may have generated some adverse reactions from the people, prompting them to consider the alternatives,” Guia told the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.
The electoral defeats of re-electionist Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia and Senator Cynthia Villar in the Las Piñas congressional race may have been partly because of the anti-dynasty sentiment, although these cases require further study, according to political analyst Julio Teehankee.
Guia said electoral reform advocates should take advantage of the gains. “Continue political organizing and engaging in conversations starting now…. Align Comelec’s paradigm for its institutional capacity building to make it more responsive to the current challenges to democracy,” he said.
Click to read how the regions voted.
National Capital Region
All NCR cities elect candidates from political dynasties
Metro Manila residents woke up to familiar names of leaders – all members of dynasties – sweeping the mayoral races after Monday’s midterm elections.
Ten out of 16 incumbent mayors of the National Capital Region (NCR) were re-elected.
Among them are Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, Vico Sotto of Pasig City, Emil Rubiano of Pasay City, and Francis Zamora of San Juan City.
The four won decisively to secure their third and final consecutive terms.
John Reynald Tiangco of Navotas City, Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa, and Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela City — brother of winning congressional candidate Kenneth Gatchalian and Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian — ran unopposed in their bid for a second term.
Mayor Lani Cayetano of Taguig City and Mayor Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon City also enjoyed a wide margin against their rivals. They will both serve their second term.
Caloocan Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan was re-elected for a second term after a contest against former senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
MAYORS IN NCR
| CITY | INCUMBENT MAYOR | 2025 RESULTS |
| Caloocan City | Dale Gonzalo Malapitan | Re-elected |
| Las Piñas City | Imelda Aguilar | Replaced by her daughter, Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery |
| Makati City | Abby Binay | Replaced by her sister, Sen. Nancy Binay, who won against her husband, Makati Rep. Luis Campos |
| Malabon City | Jeannie Sandoval | Re-elected |
| Mandaluyong City | Benjamin Abalos Sr. | Replaced by incumbent Vice Mayor Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos. She was unopposed. |
| Manila City | Honey Lacuna | Lacuna, who has conceded defeat, will be replaced by Isko Moreno Domagoso, who returns as mayor of the city. Domagoso’s son also won as city councilor. |
| Marikina City | Marcy Teodoro | Replaced by his wife, Makati Rep. Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro |
| Muntinlupa City | Ruffy Biazon | Re-elected. He was unopposed. |
| Navotas City | John Reynald Tiangco | Re-elected. He was unopposed. |
| Parañaque City | Eric Olivarez | Replaced by his brother, Edwin Olivarez. |
| Pasig City | Vico Sotto | Re-elected |
| San Juan City | Francis Zamora | Re-elected. |
| Taguig City | Lani Cayetano | Re-elected. |
| Valenzuela City | Wes Gatchalian | Re-elected. |
| Pasay City | Emi Rubiano | Re-elected. |
| Quezon City | Joy Belmonte | Re-elected. |
In five NCR cities — Las Piñas, Makati, Mandaluyong, Marikina, and Parañaque — the incumbent mayors will be replaced by their relatives.
In Marikina, Maan Teodoro is replacing her husband Marcy Teodoro in the City Hall.
Teodoro hacked out a convincing win in a much-awaited battle for mayor in the city. She garnered 142,814 votes to defeat Rep. Stella Quimbo (111,420 votes), according to the city board of canvassers.
Marcy, who served as mayor from 2016 to 2025, ran for a House seat in the 1st District. He is leading the race against former senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel Jr., but his proclamation was suspended pending the resolution of an electoral complaint against him.
Quimbo is the wife of Miro Quimbo, who is leading the 2nd District congressional race.
In Makati, Sen. Nancy Binay won the mayoral race in the country’s financial district. She defeated Luis Campos, husband of her sister, incumbent mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay.
It will be Binay’s first term as Makati chief executive, a post previously held by her siblings Abby and Jun-jun, and parents, former Vice President Jejomar Binay and Elenita Binay.
Former Manila Mayor Francis “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, who lost in the 2022 presidential race, is also returning to the City Hall and is poised for a fresh term. His son also won as city councilor.
Incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna has conceded defeat to Domagoso.
NCR has one municipality—Pateros. Gerald German, who is not known to be linked to a political clan, was elected mayor in this year’s elections.
— TJ Burgonio/PCIJ.org
Cordillera Administrative Region
Bersamins are back: Interior Cordillera rejects dynasties, but they thrive in Abra, Apayao
Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Abra and Apayao
The Cordillera region, rooted in indigenous forms of governance, showed in this election that it continues to largely reject political dynasties.
This is the case in four of its six provinces — Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.
In the area known as the interior Cordillera, there are no major political dynasties like those found in other parts of the Philippines.
In Baguio City in Benguet, voters rejected the mayoral bid of Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, who is on his third term in the House of Representatives, and the congressional bid of his wife Soledad.
Seeing a husband and wife run for office simultaneously was a first for Baguio City voters.
Reelectionist Mayor Benjamin Magalong won a final term with 55,497 votes against Rep. Go’s 42,771 votes in a closely watched race.
Mauricio Domogan won the congressional race against Soledad.
But Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap won another term in the House of Representatives. Yap’s brother, Edvic Yap, is a nominee of ACT-CIS party-list group, which is also poised to win seats in Congress.
Outside of interior Cordillera, political dynasties persist in Abra and Apayao, the provinces neighboring Ilocos Region, where “mega” dynasties thrive.
In Abra, the Bersamin political clan in Abra province in northern Luzon is back in power.
The brother of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin was elected Abra governor in a landslide victory that marked the clan’s political comeback after a nine-year absence.
Former governor Eustaquio “Takit” Bersamin defeated Bangued Vice Mayor Kiko Bernos in the gubernatorial race, garnering 133,176 votes against Bernos’ 34,222 votes.
Anne Bersamin, niece of Eustaquio, won as vice governor over Vice Gov. Joy Bernos, securing 130,127 votes against Bernos’ 35,431 votes. Anne is the daughter of Rep. Luis Bersamin who was slain in 2006.
The Bersamin dynasty had been dormant since 2016 when it last held power.
A member of the Bernos dynasty – La Paz Mayor JB Bernos – won the seat in the lone congressional district against Bangued Mayor Mila Valera.
JB’s daughter Danielle Bernos replaced him as mayor of La Paz town without any challenger. JB’s mother Esther Bernos was also elected mayor of Danglas town unopposed.
The national police had deployed additional troops to Abra following a series of shootings in the province, an election hotspot, in the run-up to the vote.
Meanwhile, in the province of Apayao, members of the Bulut clan kept their hold on power.
Rep. Elias Bulut Jr. reclaimed the governorship unopposed. He had served as mayor of Calanasan town before getting elected as a congressional representative and governor.
His sister Eleonor Bulut-Begtang also won the congressional seat without any challenger, and so did his daughter Board Member Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut as vice governor and brother Shamir Bulut as Calanasan mayor.
— Michael John Lester T. Ruiz/PCIJ.org
Region I: Ilocos Region
Ilocos Region: When family members fight, the clan still wins
ILOCOS NORTE, ILOCOS SUR, LA UNION AND PANGASINAN
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s kin dominated the midterm elections in Ilocos Norte, mirroring dynasties’ reign in the rest of the Ilocos Region that also saw blood relatives battle for the same positions.
Marcos’ son Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos and his cousin Angelo Marcos Barba cruised to election in the 1st District and 2nd District, respectively. Both ran unopposed.
The President’s cousin-in-law, Vice Gov. Cecilia Araneta Marcos, defeated an independent candidate to claim the governorship, while his nephew, Gov. Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc, was elected vice governor, without any challenger.
In Laoag City, Bryan Alcid unseated the President’s cousin, reelectionist Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, at City Hall.
The President backed Alcid against Keon in a sign of intra-family power play.
Similarly, in La Union, the gubernatorial race remained an Ortega family affair, with Gov. Raphaelle “Rafy” Ortega-David losing to her granduncle, Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo Ortega.
In the 1st District congressional race, Rep. Paolo Oreta bested his cousin, provincial board member Joy Ortega.
In San Juan town, Mariquita Ortega won the battle for mayor against her nephew, Vice Mayor Manuel Ortega. Mariquita’s husband won as vice mayor of San Fernando City unopposed.
Raphaelle’s father Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega lost the 2nd District congressional race to Rep. Dante Garcia
In Ilocos Sur, the Singson dynasty solidified its grip.
Luis “Chavit” Singson’s brother and son were elected to lead the province. Both ran unopposed.
- Jeremias “Jerry” Singson, governor
- Ryan Luis Singson, vice-governor
- Ericson Singson, provincial board member
- Janina Singson Medina-Fariñas, provincial board member
- Fayina Pilar Zaragoza, provincial board member
Out of 23 candidates from the clan, more than a dozen won. The other winners from the clan were:
- Ronald Singson, 1st District representative
- Kristine Singson-Meehan, 2nd District representative
- Randy Singson, Vigan mayor
- Evaristo “Bobit” Singson III, Vigan councilor
- Germelina Singson Goulart, Caoayan mayor
- Juan Paolo Ancheta, Caoayan vice mayor
- Annea Cassandra Singson de Leon, Sto. Domingo mayor
- Luis Charles Singson, Narvacan councilor
- Eric Singson, Candon mayor
- Kristelle Singson, Candon vice mayor
- Eric Owen Singson, Candon councilor
- Jaime Singson, Candon councilor
Ako Ilokano Ako party list group – with Chavit’s daughter Richelle as No. 1 nominee – also won a seat in the House of Representatives.
Probinsyano Ako – with Chavit’s brother Jose “Bonito” Singson Jr. as No. 2 nominee – failed to get a seat.
In Pangasinan, the Guico family continued to dominate local politics, with Gov. Ramon Guico III securing reelection against perennial rival Amado Espino III.
His father Ramon Guico Jr. was reelected as 5th District congressman, while his brother Ramon Ronald Guico IV retained his position as Binalonan mayor, demonstrating the family’s enduring control.
— Rosmae Ysabel Armeña/PCIJ.org
Region II: Cagayan Valley
Aglipay wins Cagayan governor race; Dy clan takes 8 seats in Isabela
BATANES, CAGAYAN, ISABELA, NUEVA VIZCAYA, AND QUIRINO
Former Philippine National Police chief Edgar Aglipay bested his two rivals from dynasties for Cagayan governorship in the midterm elections in Region 2 that was dominated by dynasts.
Aglipay defeated Zarah Lara and Vice Gov. Melvin Vargas by thousands of votes in his first foray into local politics.
His election comes amid rising geopolitical tension between China and Taiwan, which lies 570 km away from Cagayan. The province hosts two of the nine sites of the Philippine-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
Aglipay, father of former lawmaker and justice undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, was backstopped by his running mate, Gov. Manuel Mamba. The outgoing governor, who once stirred controversy for his alleged pro-China policy, also won the vice gubernatorial race.
In neighboring Batanes province, former Vice Gov. Jun Aguto defeated Jun Abad and two others in the gubernatorial race.
In Isabela, the Dy dynasty solidified its decade-long hold on power, winning eight elective positions in Monday’s midterm elections.
Mayor Francis “Kiko” Dy of Echague town won as vice governor unopposed; his brother 6th District Rep. Inno Dy as Echague mayor and their father Vice Gov. Faustino Dy III as 6th District representative.
In Cauayan City, Mayor Caesar Dy won his reelection bid over his uncle Bill Dy, while Benjamin Dy won as vice mayor. Ian Paul Dy won as 3rd District representative unopposed, while Michael Carlos Dy clinched the 5th District seat. Manuel Faustino Dy got elected to the provincial board.
Rep. Inno Dy’s wife Alyssa Sheena Tan also got elected to her third and final term as mayor, alongside Jamayne Tan as vice mayor, in Santiago City. Joseph Tan also won as 4th District representative.
Rodolfo Albano was elected Isabela governor without any challenger, while Antonio Albano won as 1st District representative. Ed Christopher Go clinched the 2nd District seat.
In Quirino province, incumbent Gov. Dakila Cua got elected to his third and final term, while his wife Mindy won reelection as congressional representative in the province’s lone district.
In Nueva Vizcaya, Jose Gambito, who replaced Gov. Carlos Padilla after he died in May 2023, won his first electoral term as governor.
— Michael Joh Lester T. Ruiz/PCIJ.org
Region III: Central Luzon
Aurora is exception in Central Luzon, where many dynasties ran unopposed
AURORA, BATAAN, BULACAN, NUEVA ECIJA, PAMPANGA, TARLAC AND ZAMBALES
Central Luzon is the second most vote-rich region, but the same political dynasties are able to hold on to key positions because of the lack of challengers.
Some 58 candidates for governor, vice governor, representative, mayor and vice mayor in its seven provinces ran unopposed, according to the Commission on Elections.
The gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial races in Aurora province were some of the few exceptions, and the electoral losses of the Novera siblings marked a considerable shift in the province’s political landscape.
Christian and Tin Tin Novera both lost the gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial races to former governor Reynante Tolentino and Sid Galban, respectively.
Seven electoral contests in the province had only one candidate, however.
Rommel Angara secured an easy win as he ran unopposed in the lone congressional district. He is the cousin of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara.
In Bataan, nearly half of the electoral positions were uncontested.
First District Rep. Tony Roman and 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia – both reelectionists – cruised to victory, without any challengers.
Garcia’s sister Gila was reelected 3rd District representative. Their brother Jose Enrique was reelected Bataan governor and their first cousin Cris Garcia vice governor, winning over independent candidates by a wide margin.
In Bulacan province, former actor Daniel Fernando clinched a third and final term as governor.
In the rest of Central Luzon — Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales — gubernatorial posts remained in the hands of dynasties.
In Nueva Ecija, Aurelio “Oyie” Umali won another term as governor against former General Tinio mayor Virgilio Bote, while his brother Gil Raymond bested Edward Joson for the vice governorship.
However, Aurelio’s daughter Cherry lost the 3rd District congressional race to Cabanatuan Vice Mayor Jay Vergara. Aurelio’s brother Anthony was also defeated by Vergara’s daughter, reelectionist Mayor Myca Vergara, in the mayoral race.
Pampanga also saw a continuation of the Pineda dynasty. Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda defeated Danilo Bailon for the gubernatorial position, while her son Gov. Dennis Pineda won the vice gubernatorial race against former governor Eduardo “Among Ed” Panlilio.
Lilia’s daughter Mylyn, however, lost the battle for mayor in San Fernando City to Vilma Caluag.
Family succession was also evident in Tarlac province with Christian Yap winning the governorship now held by his sister, Susan Yap.
Susan emerged the winner in the Tarlac City mayoral race, but her brother Victor lost the 2nd District congressional race.
Similarly, Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. cruised to a third and final term as Zambales governor, winning by a huge margin over Aeta leader Chito Balintay.
His son Rundy retained his seat on the provincial board, while his other son, Jun Omar, was reelected mayor of Botolan town.
Vice Gov. Jacqueline Khonghun and her brother, 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun, were reelected. Their brother Jon Khonghun was also elected mayor of Subic town and their father Jeffrey Khonghun mayor of Castillejos town. All four ran unopposed.
Jacqueline’s son Jamiel Khonghun Escalona won a second term as councilor of Olongapo City.
Overall, the political landscape of Central Luzon continues to be heavily influenced by enduring political dynasties.
— Rosmae Ysabel Armeña/PCIJ.org
Region IV-A: MIMAROPA
Velasco dynasty falls in Marinduque as other MIMAROPA clans retain power
Gubernatorial candidate Lord Allan Jay Velasco suffered a narrow defeat in Marinduque province in southern Luzon.
His father Presbitero Velasco, a former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, also failed in his bid for a House seat to represent the province.
The Velasco father-and-son had been governor and district representative, respectively, for several terms. In this year’s midterm elections, they sought but failed to swap positions.
They lost to independent candidates.
Lord Allan Jay lost by 253 votes to Mel Go in the gubernatorial race, while his father lost by more than 16,000 votes to Rey Salvacion in the congressional race, based on partial and unofficial results from the Commission on Elections.
A third member of the family, Mike Velasco, also lost in his mayoral bid in Mogpog town in the same province.
The fate of the Velasco family was an exception in Region 4B (MIMAROPA), where most dynasties won their electoral bids.
In Oriental Mindoro, dynastic rule held firm.
Gov. Bonz Dolor trumped Joanna Valencia, daughter of former governor and lawmaker Rodolfo Valencia, to secure another term.
Antonio “CA Jojo” Perez retained the vice governorship. With no opponent, Arnan Panaligan won as 1st District representative while Pa Umali secured the 2nd District seat.
In Occidental Mindoro, Gov. Ed Gadiano was reelected, while Diana Apigo-Tayag won as vice governor. Odie Tarriela secured the lone congressional seat unopposed.
Palawan remained steeped in familial succession. Amy Alvarez remained as governor, while Onsoy Ola secured the vice governorship.
In Romblon, Arming Gutierrez was elected governor while Budoy Madrona clinched the vice governorship, reaffirming the province’s enduring political continuity through familiar names.
— Rizza Camingawan/PCIJ.org
Region IV-B: Calabarzon
Revilla, Tolentino clans reign in Calabarzon despite Senate losses
Two senators from Cavite’s biggest political dynasties sought reelection on May 12. They both fell short.
Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Francis Tolentino ranked 14th and 25th, respectively, in the tightly contested Senate race.
But their clans continued to prevail in Cavite’s politics, as well as most of the other entrenched political families in the rest of Calabarzon region, which spans Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Rizal in southern Luzon.
The exception was Laguna, where TV broadcaster turned politician Sol Aragones stopped a husband-and-wife rule in the province.
In Laguna’s gubernatorial race, Aragones defeated incumbent Laguna 2nd District representative Ruth Hernandez by over 63,000 votes.
It was the second attempt of Aragones to win leadership of the province. She ran and lost the race to Ramil Hernandez in the 2022 elections.
Ruth Hernandez sought to swamp positions with her husband, outgoing Governor Ramil Hernandez, who ran for her seat in the House of Representatives. Ramil won.
In Cavite, the Provincial Capitol is once again in the hands of the Remulla clan.
Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” Remulla — son of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and nephew of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla — won a decisive victory in the elections on May 12.
Jonvic Remulla was elected governor in 2022. He was succeeded by Athena Tolentino from another dynasty when he replaced Benhur Abalos at the Department of Interior and Local Government. (Abalos ran for the Senate, but lost the elections.)
The Tolentino clan won at least four seats.
Brent Tolentino took over his father’s mayoral post in Tagaytay, while his mother Agnes Tolentino won as vice mayor. His sister, 8th District Rep. Aniela Tolentino, and cousin, Tagaytay Councilor Micko Tolentino, were reelected.
The Revillas won at least five seats in the local elections.
Ram Revilla was elected vice governor, joining his mother, 2nd District Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla, and brother, 1st District Representative Jolo Revilla.
Their relatives, Strike Revilla and Rowena Mendiola-Bautista, ran unopposed and were reelected as Bacoor’s mayor and vice mayor, respectively.
In Batangas, Vilma Santos-Recto, wife of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, reclaimed the governor’s seat.
Their son Ryan Recto won as 6th District representative.
Vilma’s other son, popular TV host Lucky Manzano, lost the vice-gubernatorial race to veteran Batangas politician Hermilando Mandanas.
In Rizal, the Ynares clan remains unshaken.
Governor Niña Ynares won reelection with over 800,000 votes. Antipolo Mayor Junjun Ynares reclaimed his seat, while Mayor Rhea and Vice Mayor Russel Ynares won unopposed in Binangonan.
Mia Ynares also won as 1st District Representative
In Quezon, the Tan political dynasty is growing.
Governor Angelina Tan was re-elected, along with son Keith Micah Tan as 4th District congressman. Another son Keith Mikhal Tan also won his first election as 2nd District’s provincial board member.
Vice Governor Anacleto Alcala III of Quezon was also reelected, alongside family members Lucena Mayor Mark Alcala, Vice Mayor Roderick Alcala, and Board Member Vinnete Alcala.
— Hazelyn Silverio/PCIJ.org
Region V: Bicol Region
Neophyte shakes up Catanduanes politics amid familiar wins in Bicol
For generations, the Cua dynasty has maintained an iron grip on Catanduanes, seamlessly passing the reins of provincial power to relatives while running key industries to boost their influence across the island.
In the May 12 elections, newcomer Patrick Azanza defeated Vice Gov. Peter “Boste” Cua in a stunning upset in the battle for governor.
Azanza, former president of Catanduanes State University, rode a wave of youth support and growing opposition to the Cuas’ dynasty and perceived economic monopoly to win the four-way race.
His victory ended the family’s control over the provincial Capitol, now held by Cua’s brother, outgoing Gov. Joseph “Boboy” Cua. Boboy himself lost the mayoral race in Virac City to reelectionist Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento Jr.
This appears to be an isolated case in Bicol, where political clans continued to dominate the electoral landscape.
In Albay, reelectionist Gov. Joey Salceda lost to Noel Rosal, himself a member of a dynasty. Pre-election surveys showed Salceda leading the race.
However, Salceda’s adopted son, Juan Miguel Salceda, was elected board member of Albay’s 3rd District, and his nephew, Polangui town Mayor Raymond Adrian Salceda, won the congressional seat in the same district.
Farida Co won as vice governor while her brother Elizaldy Co retained his seat as Ako Bicol party list representative in the House of Representatives. Ako Bicol obtained two seats in the party list race. Their brother Christopher Co lost the 2nd District congressional race to Caloy Loria.
Meanwhile, the Villafuertes retained their stronghold in Camarines Sur.
Patriarch Luis Raymond “L-Ray” Villafuerte secured a fresh term as governor, while his sons Miguel Luis “Migz” and Luigi won the congressional races in the 5th District and 3rd District, respectively.
Their neighboring Camarines Norte showed a similar pattern, with reelectionist Gov. Ricarte “Dong” Padilla winning another term against former governor Egay Tallado, himself a member of a long-standing dynasty.
In Sorsogon, the Hamors and Escuderos maintained their power across the province.
Boboy Hamor was reelected as governor, while his wife Ester won as Sorsogon City mayor. Their daughter Minez “EM” also won the mayoral race in Casiguran town.
Their allies, the Escuderos, also maintained their influence. Chiz Escudero’s sister Dette secured another unopposed term as 1st District representative, while their cousin Jun Escudero was reelected Sorsogon vice governor.
In Masbate, the Kho dynasty once again consolidated political power. 1st District Rep. Richard Kho was elected governor, while his father Gov. Antonio Kho, 1st District representative.
Antonio’s wife Elisa Olga won the 2nd District congressional seat. Their son Wilton “Tonton” was elected 3rd District representative, while daughter Ara Kho won as Masbate City mayor. Wilton’s wife Kristine was reelected mayor of Mandaon town.
—Reinnard Balonzo / PCIJ.org
Region VI: Western Visayas
Western Visayas remains under clan rule. In Iloilo City, women win key posts
Western Visayas Region remains in the grip of political clans.
Paolo Javier, scion of the Javier political clan, made a political comeback by winning the gubernatorial race in Antique on May 12 after his family suffered defeat in the 2019 elections.
Javier trounced his six rivals, including former Interior Secretary Jonathan Tan and Vice Gov. Edgar Denosta, with 104,876 votes.
Javier is the son of Exequiel Javier, who last served as governor in 2016 and lost a reelection bid in 2019. After completing his term as a district representative in 2019, he ran for governor but lost.
He is the nephew of Evelio Javier, then governor who was assassinated while guarding the votes for Corazon Aquino in the snap polls in 1986.
AA Legarda, half-brother of former Sen. Loren Legarda, was reelected to a second term as representative in Antique’s lone district.
In Iloilo province, Arthur Defensor Jr. — son of former governor and lawmaker Arthur Defensor Sr. — secured a third and final term as governor.
His brother Lorenz Defensor was reelected 3rd District representative. Janette Garin and Ferjenel Biron topped the congressional races in the 1st District and 4th District, respectively.
Garin’s husband Richard won reelection as mayor of Miagao town.
Biron’s son Bryant Paul, on the other hand, was reelected mayor of Barotac Nuevo town and his brother Braden mayor of Dumangas town.
Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta, wife of incumbent Rep. Arcadio Goricetta, clinched the congressional seat in the 2nd District, while Binky Montesclaros-Tupas won against her brother-in-law Niel Tupas Jr. in the 5th District.
In Iloilo City, Jam-Jam Baronda got elected to a last term as the city representative. Her sister Love-Love Baronda won as vice mayor alongside mayor-elect, Raisa Treñas-Chu, daughter of Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The common notion among the citizens is that the city is being led by women for the first time, yet they all come from political families.
In the component city of Passi, Stephen Palmares retained his position as mayor, contributing to the political stronghold of their family for over two decades.
In the province of Capiz, Oto Castro cruised to his second term as governor. He is the father of Mayor Maria Concepcion Castro of Dumalag town, and brother of Vice Mayor Fredenil Castro II, of the same town.
Oto’s wife Jane Castro won her reelection as 2nd District representative. Howard Guintu clinched the 1st District seat against Paolo Roxas, son of former Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.
In Roxas City, Mayor Ronnie Dadivas clinched a third and final term against his uncle-in-law Antonio del Rosario.
In the province of Aklan, Jose Enrique Miraflores secured his second term as governor. His father Gov. Florencio Miraflores defeated his cousin Teodorico Haresco Jr. to secure the 2nd District seat. The governor-elect’s brother Jose Miguel was elected mayor of Ibajay town.
In the island of Guimaras, Ma. Lucille Nava was elected governor while her husband Joaquin secured the lone congressional seat. In this year’s elections, the couple swapped positions. Joaquin’s brother Felipe Nava won a seat in the provincial board.
— Erica Nicole Espanola/PCIJ.org
Region VII: Central Visayas
Upsets, comebacks and conjugal victories in Central Visayas
Elections in Central Visayas, a theater for national endorsements that boasts of 4.7 million voters, were marked by upsets, comebacks and conjugal victories.
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia lost her seat to Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro, a neophyte politician allied with former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Baricuatro, who ran on a platform of healthcare system improvement, won in 29 cities and towns against Garcia’s 22.
Garcia lost mostly in the 1st District, bailiwick of the Gullas clan, her allies. 1st District Rep. Rhea Mae Gullas and her husband, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas, both ran unopposed.
However, Garcia’s sister-in-law Karen Garcia was elected to a first term as 3rd District representative while her son-in-law Rep. Duke Frasco was reelected in the 5th District. He is the husband of Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Garcia-Frasco.
The Garcia family had established its dynasty across levels of government in Cebu since the early 1990s.
Sixth District Rep. Daphne Lagon clinched a second term. She is the wife of Ako Bisaya Party list Rep. Sonny Lagon, and mother to twins Larenz and Lorez, who were elected to the provincial board.
Patricia Calderon topped the race in the 7th District, replacing her husband Rep. Peter John Calderon. Edsel Galeos and Sun Shimura were elected to their first terms as 2nd and 4th District representatives, respectively.
In Cebu City, Councilor Nestor Archival Sr. and Tomas Osmeña were elected mayor and vice mayor, respectively. Edu Rama and Rachel del Mar topped the congressional races in the South District and North District, respectively.
The City of Mandaue also saw its mayor Jonas Cores get unseated by Thadeo Ouano. Ouano is the grandson of the late mayor Alfredo Ouano and cousin of Mandaue City Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano.
In Lapu Lapu City, Rep. Ma. Cynthia King-Chan won as mayor, replacing her husband Junard Chan.
In the other province of Bohol, Gov. Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado secured a third and final term as governor while his wife 2nd District Rep. Vanessa Aumentado won another term.
The governorship had been passed around within the Aumentando family. The patriarch Erico served for three consecutive terms (2001-2010), and then his son, Erico Aristotle “Aris,” followed in his footsteps, from 2019 onward.
Aumentado’s running mate Nick Besas was elected vice governor.
In the 1st District congressional race, John Yap won against Rep. Edgar Chatto. Yap’s wife, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Cajes Yap, was reelected. Her father Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes also won another term.
Third District Rep. Kristine Alexie Tutor retained her seat.
Some 31 mayors were reelected, including eight who ran unopposed, according to reports.
— Erica Nicole Española/PCIJ.org
Negros Island Region
In region of sugar barons, political families rule
Sugar barons and their descendants consolidated power in the new Negros Island Region.
In Negros Oriental’s battle for governor, the Cebuano-speaking eastern half of the region, Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria defeated Pryde Henry Teves.
His father, 2nd District Rep. Manuel “Chikiting” Sagarbarria, won as mayor of of Dumaguete City. His mother, Dumaguete Vice Mayor Ma. Isabel Sagarbarria, topped the 2nd District congressional race. His sister Chessa was elected Dumaguete City councilor.
In Negros Occidental, Eugenio Jose Lacson got elected to a final term as governor, while Jose Benito Alonso won as vice governor.
In Cadiz City, Salvador Escalante won as mayor alongside his nephew Vincent as vice mayor. Raymund Tongson was elected mayor of Himamaylan City. Mayor Gina Montilla-Lizares and her brother Vice Mayor Oscar Montilla were elected to a final term in Sipalay City.
In Bago City’s mayoral race, Mayette Javellana-Yao defeated Ramon Torres of the Torres-Yulo clan that ruled Bago City for decades.
In Bacolod City, Rep. Greg Gasataya was elected mayor while Mayor Albee Benitez won as the city’s congressional representative. Benitez’s son Javi, mayor of Victorias City, won the 3rd District race in Negros Occidental.
In Siquijor, Zaldy “Jecoy” Villa secured a second term as governor, while his son Jec-jec topped the congressional race in the island’s lone district.
— Erica Nicole Espanola/PCIJ.org
Region VIII: Eastern Visayas
In Eastern Visayas, where the Romualdez clan rules, political heirs inherit power
Across six provinces of Eastern Visayas, the same political dynasties ruled Monday’s midterm elections, affirming once again the locals’ belief that power in the region is hereditary.
Leyte remains the undisputed bailiwick of the Romualdez clan. House Speaker Martin Romualdez won a third term in his unopposed run in Leyte’s 1st District.
At least four other members of the clan also won their races.
The Speaker’s cousin Alfred Romualdez was elected mayor of Tacloban City, and Alfred’s son Ray Romualdez vice mayor of the same city.
The Speaker’s son and namesake, Martin Romualdez Jr., also won a seat in the Tacloban City Council.
Another son, Andrew Julian Romualdez, is poised to win a seat in the House of Representatives as first nominee of Tingog party-list group.
The group dominated in the party-list race with over 1.7 million voters in partial and unofficial tally so far. Tingog won two seats in the House in 2022 and is currently represented by Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, wife of Speaker Romualdez, who is the group’s 6th nominee.
Beyond the Romualdezes, other political clans also reaffirmed their stronghold, securing key positions in landslide wins and with little to no opposition.
Reelectionist Gov. Jericho “Icot” Petilla and his mother, reelectionist Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla of Palo town, handily won their races.
Sandy Javier also cruised to victory in the vice gubernatorial race, also unopposed. His wife Lolita Karen Javier was reelected 2nd District representative. Their sons Michael Drogon and Mark won as mayor and vice mayor, respectively, in Javier town.
In the 3rd District’s race, Anna Veloso-Tuazon won by more than 7,000 votes over her cousin Wingwing Veloso. Richard Gomez topped the 4th District race as his wife Lucy was reelected Ormoc City mayor. Carl Cari was reelected 5th District representative.
In Southern Leyte, the Mercado family remains firmly in power. Damian Mercado was reelected governor, sister Milai Mercado as vice governor and brother Roger Mercado as 1st District representative.
Second District Rep. Coco Yap secured another term.
Mirroring the dynastic strongholds of Leyte and Southern Leyte, Biliran saw no significant shifts in leadership.
Rogelio Espina and his sister Paras Espina won as governor and vice governor, respectively. Their brother Gerryboy Espina was elected congressman.
Rogelio’s brother Rudy Espina and Rudy’s son Jake Espina were elected mayor and vice mayor, respectively, of Kawayan town, without any challengers.
In Samar Island, the Tan family maintained a firm grip on the province, sweeping key positions without any opposition.
Ann Tan was reelected governor while her uncle Arnold Tan retained the vice governorship. Ann’s brothers Jimboy and Michael Tan secured the 1st District and 2nd District congressional seats, respectively. All ran unopposed.
In Eastern Samar, reelectionist Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone clinched a second consecutive term while his aunt Susan Evardone and Susan’s son, Boward Evardone, were elected mayor and vice mayor, respectively, of Arteche town.
Northern Samar followed the regional pattern of dynastic dominance.
Harris Ongchuan clinched another term as governor, while his brother Edwin Ongchuan won as 2nd District representative. Niko Raul Daza emerged winner in the 1st District race. Clarence Dato was elected vice governor. — Rizza Camingawan/PCIJ.org
Region IX: Zamboanga Peninsula
Jalosjos dynasty loses Zamboanga del Norte provincial, congressional, and city races
After two decades, the Jalosjos political clan has lost control of Dapitan City in Zamboanga Del Norte to another political dynasty in the province — the Uy family.
It also lost the gubernatorial and congressional races to the Uy family and its ally, respectively.
Maita Jalosjos, daughter of former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo “Nonong” Jalosjos Sr., lost to Belen Uy, former mayor of Dipolog City and husband of former governor Roberto “Berto” Uy.
Bullet Jalojos, the outgoing Dapitan City Mayor, lost his bid for governor to Darel Dexter Uy. Bullet is the brother of Maita, while Darrel is the son of Belen and Berto.
Cesar Jalosjos lost the 3rd District congressional race to Ian Amatong, an ally of the Uys. Cesar is the brother of Romeo and uncle of Maita and Bullet.
Roberto “Pinpin” Uy Jr., the other son of Belen and Berto, won the 1st District congressional race, too.
In Dipolog City, the Uy patriarch, Roberto Uy, also won the mayoral race.
Zamboanga Del Norte is one three provinces in the country’s poorest region, the Zamboanga Peninsula in western Mindanao, that remains in the tight grip of political dynasties.
In Zamboanga Del Sur, Divina Grace Yu, wife of outgoing Gov. Victor Yu, ascended to the top provincial post.
Their children also won congressional seats: Joseph Yu in the 1st District and reelectionist Victoria Yu in the 2nd District.
In the mayoral race in Zamboanga City, incumbent 1st District Rep. Khymer Adan Olaso defeated incumbent 2nd District Rep. Mannix Dalipe.
Dalipe is the brother of outgoing Mayor John Dalipe, who lost his congressional bid.
Beng Climaco, who previously served as city mayor for three terms, will make a comeback after experiencing her first electoral loss in 2022. She was elected vice mayor.
Climaco is the niece of former Mayor Cesar Climaco, one of the most prominent critics of the Marcos dictatorship in Mindanao.
Zamboanga City is the peninsula’s lone independent city.
In Zamboanga Sibugay province, reelectionist Gov. Ann Hofer, daughter of the province’s first-ever governor, continues her family’s political legacy.
Her nephews Ralph Hofer de los Santos and Pava Hofer also secured seats as board members.
Incoming Vice Gov. Ric-Ric Olegario will be succeeding his father, outgoing Vice Gov. Rey Andre Olegario.
Isabela City of Basilan, which voted to be excluded from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is also part of the jurisdiction of Zamboanga Peninsula region.
Dada Hataman won another term as mayor the city. Her husband, Rep. Mujiv Hataman, was elected governor of the province.
In Sulu, which the Supreme Court excluded from BARMM last year, is also dominated by the family of Abdusakur Tan, who is finishing his third and last consecutive term as governor of the province.
He was elected vice-governor while his son and namesake was elected mayor, Abdusakur Tan II.
His children Samier and Aiman were also elected to the House of Representatives as district and party-list representatives, respectively.
— Sean Angelo Guevarra and Carmela Fonbuena/PCIJ.org
Region X: Northern Mindanao
Same old names win in Northern Mindanao: Dimaporo, Oaminal, Romualdo and others
The elections in Northern Mindanao or Region 10 were largely a family affair.
In Bukidnon, Gov. Oneil Roque won reelection, while his wife, 4th District Rep. Laarni Roque, kept her seat.
Audrey Zubiri, wife of Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, won by a landslide in the third district congressional race.
Second District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, son of the late former Malaybalay mayor Florencio Flores Jr., retained his post.
First District Rep. Jose Manuel Alba, husband of former lawmaker Malou Acosta-Alba, won reelection.
Junamie Galario and her daughter Cecil were elected mayor and vice mayor in Valencia City, respectively.
The Romualdo dynasty still held Camiguin in its grip. Xavier Jesus Romualdo and his uncle Rodin Romualdo were reelected governor and vice governor, respectively.
Xavier Jesus’ father Jurdin Jesus retained his seat as district representative, while his brother Yggy was reelected mayor of the capital town of Mambajao.
In Lanao del Norte, 1st District Rep. Khalid Dimaporo was elected governor, while his mother Gov. Imelda Dimaporo took his congressional seat. Khalid’s sister, 2nd District Rep. Sittie Aminah, won reelection.
In Misamis Occidental, the Oaminals remained in control. Gov. Henry Oaminal won reelection, and so did his son, 2nd District Rep. Fernando Oaminal.
Henry’s siblings Ging Oaminal-delos Santos and Sunny Oaminal were elected mayor of Clarin town and councilor of Ozamiz City, respectively.
In Misamis Oriental, members of the Unabia clan faced a shutout. Gov. Peter Unabia lost a reelection bid to former lawmaker Juliette Uy. His sons – reelectionist 1st District Rep. Christian Unabia and mayoral candidate Joshua Unabia – also suffered defeats.
Uy’s husband Julio was elected mayor of Villanueva town, replacing their daughter Jennie Rosalie.
In Cagayan de Oro, 1st District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez won by a landslide, while his sister Jocelyn was reelected vice mayor of Cagayan de Oro City.
Rep. Lordan Suan won reelection in the first district.
— Liam Reece Basigsig/PCIJ.org
Region XI: Davao Region
Obese Duterte dynasty prevails in Davao region, but so does Cagas, who voted to impeach Sara
The family of former President Rodrigo Duterte ruled the elections in their stomping ground Davao City, setting the tone for the rule of dynasties in the Davao Region, or Region 11.
The elder Duterte, now facing pre-trial for the crime against humanity of murder in The Hague in connection with his drug war, won by a landslide against Karlo Nograles in the battle for city mayor.
His son, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, was elected vice mayor. His other son, 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, won reelection. Paolo’s sons Omar and Rigo were elected 2nd District representative and city councilor, respectively.
In Davao de Oro, Raul Mabanglo was elected governor. His wife, 1st District Rep. Maricar Zamora, won reelection. Her son Herv retained his post as board member while her brother Manuel Jr. was elected mayor of Monkayo town.
Mabanglo is the second husband of Zamora.
Gov. Dorothy Gonzaga clinched the vice governorship while her sister Ruwina was reelected board member.
Ramil Gentugaya and his wife also won seats on the provincial board.
Pantukan Mayor Jhong Ceniza topped the 2nd District congressional race, while his brother Noy replaced him as mayor of Pantukan.
In Davao del Norte, Edwin Jubahib kept his post as governor, while his daughter Clarice won as vice governor against Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.
Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy won by a huge margin against Vice Mayor Allan Rellon. Uy’s children also fared well in the local races. His daughter Ciara won a council seat in Tagum while his son Oyo was elected 1st District congressman.
JM Lagdameo, brother of Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, won the congressional seat in the 2nd District.
The Cagas dynasty remained strong in Davao del Sur. Yvonne Cagas and her husband Marc Cagas captured the top two posts in the Capitol. Yvonne defeated Marc’s cousin, Vice Gov. Aiai Cagas, in the battle for governor.
Marc’s other cousin, John Tracy Cagas, cruised to victory in the congressional race in the province’s lone district. He was the lone Davao region lawmaker who voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.
John’s brother Josef was reelected mayor of Digos City.
In Davao Oriental, 1st District Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang unseated reelectionist Gov. Niño Uy. Dayanghirang’s son Nelson Jr. topped the congressional race in the 1st District.
Glenda Rabat-Gayta was elected vice governor. Her cousin, Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat, lost her reelection bid to former congressman Mayo Almario. Almario’s son Cheeno retained his post as 2nd District representative.
In Lupon town, reelected Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go’s son, Christian Lawrence, was elected vice mayor.
In Davao Occidental, reelectionist Gov. Franklin “Colin” Bautista and his brother, reelectionist Rep. Claude Bautista, cruised to victories. Both ran unopposed.
Claude’s daughter, Claudine Diana Derequito Bautista-Lim, also won a seat in the House of Representatives as the first nominee of winning party list group Dumper Philippine Taxi Drivers Association Inc.
— Liam Reece Basigsig/PCIJ.org
Region XII: SOCCSKSARGEN
Pacquiaos keep 5 seats in Soccsksargen; Mangudadatus win in Sultan Kudarat
Boxing champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao failed in his senatorial comeback, but his relatives fared better in local races. His political clan retained five seats in General Santos City, remaining among the country’s “obese” dynasties.
Pacquiao’s sister-in-law Lorelie was reelected mayor of General Santos City, while his son Michael won as city councilor.
In Sarangani province, Pacquiao’s brother Rogelio clinched a second term as governor. His cousin, Zyrex, was reelected Maasim town mayor while his wife, Ellen Jade, placed second in the municipal council race.
In Sarangani’s Glan municipality, Victor Yap Sr. and son Victor Jr. were elected mayor and vice mayor, respectively. In Malungon town, Reynaldo Constantino and his daughter Tessa also secured the top two posts unopposed.
The Mangudadatu political clan also suffered big losses in the two Maguindanao provinces in neighboring Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
But in Sultan Kudarat province in Soccsksargen region, the clan continued to dominate the elections.
Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, son of Maguindanao del Sur governor Mariam Sangki and former governor Suharto Mangudadatu, was reelected governor against relative Sharifa Akeel Mangudadatu.
Both his parents ran for governor in the two new Maguindanao provinces but lost.
Mangudadatu’s brother Datu Yassin ran for mayor of Lutayan town unopposed.
Mangudadatu’s cousin Raden Sakaluran was also reelected vice governor. Sakaluran’s mother Ruth ran unopposed in the 1st District race and sister Bai Rihan won as Isulan town mayor. Bella Suansing topped the race in the 2nd District to succeed her father.
In Tacurong City, Vice Mayor Lina Montilla won as mayor.
In the rest of Soccsksargen region, dynasties ruled, turning local elections into intra-family contests.
Cotabato Gov. Lala Taliño-Mendoza won reelection against rival Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol. Her niece Rochelle Taliño-Taray was elected vice governor, defeating Piñol’s brother Efren.
The capital Kidapawan saw Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista win a second term against councilor Rochelle Gantuangco-Zoreta, daughter of former mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco. Evangelista’s father Joseph kept his post as board member.
In Kabacan, Evangeline Guzman and her husband Herlo won as mayor and vice mayor, respectively. Both ran unopposed.
Jay Gonzaga and his father Florenito bested brothers Rogel and Roldan Pelonio to get elected mayor and vice mayor of Magpet town, respectively. The father-daughter tandem of Oscar and Gigi Valdevioso secured the top municipal seats in Matalam.
In President Roxas town, Vice Mayor Jaime Mahimpit won as mayor, while his son Mayor Jonathan Mahimpit was elected vice mayor.
Antipas Mayor Cristobal Cadungon won reelection against his brother, Vice Mayor Egidio Cadungon Jr.
In Pikit, Vice Mayor Muhiryn Sultan-Casi won as mayor while her father, Mayor Sumulong Sultan, was elected vice mayor.
Alamada Mayor Jesus Sacdalan won reelection, while his son Victor Sacdalan was elected vice mayor. Jesus’ nephew Rolando Sacdalan topped the mayoral race in Midsayap town.
In South Cotabato province, Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. got reelected to a third and final term, while his uncle Tupi Mayor Romeo Tamayo won a fresh term.
Vice Gov. Dodo Pingoy also won reelection, while his wife Annabelle gained a seat on the provincial board.
Brothers Albert and Bernie Palencia won as mayors in Banga and Polomolok towns, respectively.
Dibu Tuan topped the race in the 3rd District, while his son T’boli Mayor Keo Dayle won reelection. — PCIJ.org
Region III: CARAGA
In CARAGA, Bag-ao defeats Ecleo, but Plaza dynasty wins 5 seats across 3 provinces
At least five members of the Plaza political clan, one of the obese dynasties of the Philippines, are scattered throughout CARAGA region.
Nasipit, mayor Roscoe Democrito Plaza keeps his seat in the town in Agusan Del Norte province. His sister, Patricia, will assume the vice governorship of neighboring Agusan del Sur.
His brother Randolph is reelected vice mayor of Loreto, also in Agusan del Sur.
But Randolph’s wife, Jane, will be vice mayor in Carmen town in another province — Surigao del Sur.
Eddiebong Plaza will keep his post as Agusan del Sur’s second district congressman.
But in Butuan City in Agusan del Norte, former congresswoman and Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director-General Charito Plaza was defeated by vice mayor Lawrence Fortun.
At least four members of the Elorde political clan were elected in Agusan Del Sur.
In Bunawan town, Sylvia Elorde was reelected mayor. Her son, Ednard, will replace her husband, Gilbert, as vice mayor. Mother and daughter Thelma and Liza Lamanilao were reelected mayor and vice mayor of Sibagat town.
In Surigao del Norte, Gov. Lyndon Barbers secured a second term after a battling another dynasty and defeating first district Re Matugas. Matugas’ father, Lalo, will replace him in the House of Representatives.
Lalo’s sister, Elizabeth Matugas, was reelected Dapa town mayor. His younger brother, Nitoy, was defeated as Surigao City mayor by a Barbers ally. His niece, Melot Matugas-Abejo, lost the mayoral race in General Luna town.
Barbers’ sister-in-law, Bernadette, will replace her husband, Robert Ace, as second district representative.
In Alegria town, brothers Yoyoy and Reneboy Esma will keep the top posts. Husband and wife Ramon and Crisanta Mondano will swap seats as mayor and vice mayor in Mainit.
In Surigao del Sur, incumbent second district Rep. Johnny Pimentel will swap seats with his brother, governor Alexander “Ayec” Pimentel. Johnny’s wife, Roxanne, secured her third term as mayor of Tandag City.
Bislig City mayor Enciong Garay was reelected; his son, Titing, lost the vice mayoral race. Titing’s wife, Joan, won as vice mayor of Hinatuan town.
Nilo Demerey secured a second term as Dinagat Islands governor. Jade Ecleo unseats her brother, Benglen, as vice governor. Their brother, current congressman Alan Uno, was defeated by former governor Kaka Bag-ao. — PCIJ.org
BARMM
MILF-backed clans defeat Mangudadatus in Maguindanao as dynasties persist in BARMM
The provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are known for a high concentration of political dynasties.
The 2025 election results show that the Alonto-Adiong clan of Lanao del Sur, Hataman-Salliman clan of Basilan, and the Sali clan of Tawi-Tawi remain firmly entrenched.
But change has come for Maguindanao, where two branches of the Mangudadatu clan have alternated in ruling the Capitol for the past 15 years. That era has now come to an end.
In the first elections since the province was split in September 2022, a Mangudadatu husband-and-wife attempted—but failed—to win control of both Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.
Political dynasties allied with the former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and backed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. captured the two new provinces instead.
In Maguindanao del Norte, former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) chief Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu is poised for a decisive defeat.
His rival, Tucao Mastura, enjoys a margin of over 100,000 votes. Mastura belongs to another powerful political clan in the province. He ran under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), which forged an alliance with the MILF’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).
The Mastura clan, which Tucao leads, traces its roots to the Maguindanao royal houses and has been traditionally allied with the MILF. Family members have long held positions in the municipalities of Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura, where one is poised to win as mayor.
The clan has previously supported the bids of the Mangudadatu clan to win the Capitol. This is the first time in recent years that the clan won leadership of the province.
Teng was once part of the Marcos administration, having served as chief of TESDA from 2023 to 2024.
The relationship between the Mangudadatus and some presidential underlings has soured in the run-up to the 2025 midterm polls, however. The clan has also expressed disappointment over the MILF’s governance in the BARMM.
Marshall Sinsuat, a member of another clan, won as vice-governor. He has over 100,000 votes against relative Bai Ainee Sinsuat.
Meanwhile, in Maguindanao del Sur, PFP candidate Ali Midtimbang also defeated Teng’s wife, Mariam Mangudadatu, who was appointed governor of Maguindanao del Sur after the split.
The Midtimbangs are a known political family from Datu Anggal Midtimbang town. This is also the first time the clan won leadership of the province.
Vice governor-elect Hisham Nando from UBJP will serve with Midtimbang. The Maguindanao del Sur board of canvassers proclaimed Midtimbang and Nando winners on May 13.
The Mangudadatus have held gubernatorial posts in Maguindanao since 2010, following the fall of the Ampatuan clan in the aftermath of the notorious Maguindanao massacre.
Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu held the position from 2010 until 2019. He was followed by Mariam, his cousin-in-law.
In the congressional races, Toto won in a neck-and-neck race with incumbent Maguindanao del Sur representative Tong Paglas (Lone District). Meanwhile, Dimple Mastura also won against Bai Sandra Sema in Maguindanao del Norte, although the latter is the MILF candidate.
The son of Teng Mangudadatu, Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, won the gubernatorial race in neighboring Sultan Kudarat province, which belongs to Region 12 and is not part of BARMM. (Sultan Kudarat province and Sultan Kudarat town are different places. )
Teng Mangudadatu himself served three terms as governor of Sultan Kudarat. He has since transferred his residency to Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte.
Allies of the MILF from the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) also won various posts across the region.
In BARMM’s political center, Cotabato City, Mayor Bruce Matabalo won his re-election bid. His fellow UBJP candidate Johair Madag won the vice mayoral race.
In Tawi-Tawi, governor Yshmael Sali and his son Vice Governor Al-Syed are won fresh terms, along with another family member, Tawi-Tawi representative Dimszar Sali (Lone District).
MILF’s candidates lost the gubernatorial races in Basilan and Lanao Del Sur.
In Basilan, the gubernatorial race was tightly contested between Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman and his nephew, provincial board member Jay Hataman Salliman.
Jay was the MILF’s candidate. Hataman won by a margin of 3,275 votes.
Regardless of the outcome, power remained within the Hataman-Salliman clan, which has long ruled the province.
Basilan Governor Jim Hataman Salliman, Mujiv’s brother and Jay’s father, won as vice governor.
In Lanao del Sur, Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. and his son Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid Adiong won by decisive margins.
In the province’s congressional district races, Zia Alonto Adiong (1st District), Mamintal’s brother, and their cousin Yasser Alonto Balindong (2nd District) are also heading for reelection. — PCIJ.org