ILOILO CITY – Seasoned political clans dominated the political landscape in Iloilo province, with the Defensor, Garin and Tupas clans maintaining their win streaks.
Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. was reelected and will be serving his second term. His brother, incumbent Congressman Lorenz “Noy” Defensor, is also reelected in the 3rd District. Their cousin Jason Gonzales is reelected as member of the Iloilo Provincial Board while their uncle, Reynor Gonzales, was reelected Lambunao mayor.
Not to be outdone, the Garin political clan of the Iloilo 1st District kept its stronghold despite the death of the family’s patriarch Oscar “Oca” Garin Sr. last year.
Daughter Christine “Tingting” Garin was reelected vice governor, and son Richard Garin, a former congressman and mayor of Guimbal town, became mayor in the neighboring town of Miag-ao while Richard’s wife Janette Loreto-Garin was reelected congresswoman.
Matriarch Ninfa was reelected mayor of San Joaquin town while daughter Jennifer Garin-Colada was elected mayor of Guimbal town. Nephew Marcelo Valetine Serag kept a seat in the Iloilo Provincial Board.
In Iloilo 2nd District, incumbent Congressman Michael “Mike” Gorriceta was reelected. His cousin, Mayor Laurence Anthony Gorriceta, was also reelected in Pavia town while his aunt, Mayor Marina Gorriceta of San Miguel town was also reelected.
In Iloilo 4th District, Dr. Ferj Biron was able to retake his congressional seat. He will replace his son, incumbent Cong. Braden John, who won as mayor in Dumangas town. Son Bryant Paul was reelected as mayor of Barotac Nuevo town while brother Hernan Jr. was reelected as vice mayor.
In Iloilo 5th District, the Tupas clan remains strong despite an alleged rift among members of their family.
Incumbent Congressman Raul “Boboy” Tupas was reelected after defeating his brother, former congressman Niel “Junjun” for the second time in a row. Raul’s wife, Binky, won a seat in the Iloilo Provincial Board. Brother Nielo was reelected mayor of Barotac Viejo town.
On the other hand, the Tupas clan is also in Iloilo City with the reelection of Candice. She is the wife of Lex Tupas, also a former city councilor.