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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Clans maintain political control in Iloilo

Clans maintain political control in Iloilo

Published May 15, 2025 02:39 pm
ILOILO CITY – There were no significant changes in Iloilo province after the May 12 polls with elective positions still in the control of the Defensor, Garin, Biron, Debuque, Gorriceta, and Tupas political families.
PHOTOS show members of the Defensor, Gorriceta, Biron, Debuque, and Tupas clans of Iloilo province. (Lee Ann Debuque Facebook page)
Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. was reelected for his third and final term unopposed. His brother, third district Rep. Lorenz “Noy,”  was also reelected.
Their cousin, Jason Gonzales, was reelected to the provincial board. Their uncle, Mayor Reynor Gonzales, was reelected in Lambunao town.
The Garins maintained their stronghold in southern Iloilo with the reelection of first district Rep. Janette.
The former Health Secretary’s husband Richard was reelected mayor of Miag-ao town while his daughter Rica Jane was elected provincial board member.
The Garin sisters will lead Guimbal town – reelected Mayor Jennifer and outgoing Vice Gov. Christine “Tingting” is the newly elected vice mayor.
The Gorricetas clinched the second district.
Outgoing Rep. Michael “Mike” will be succeeded by his wife, Dr. Kathryn “Kathy.”
Rep. Gorriceta’s cousin, Mayor Luigi, was reelected unopposed in Pavia town. Their allies also won in most towns.
In the fourth district, the Biron clan is still in power with the reelection of Rep. Ferj.
His sons Bryant Paul and Braeden John were reelected mayors in Barotac Nuevo and Dumangas towns, respectively.
Ferj’s brother Hernan Jr. was reelected vice mayor in Barotac Nuevo.
The Debuques of Anilao, long-time Biron ally, clinched key positions.
Mayor Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” is the newly elected vice governor.
Her mother, incumbent Vice Mayor Matet, is set to become mayor again. Mayor Nathalie Ann’s sister Amalia Victoria will still serve as ex-officio provincial board member as the president of the Liga ng mga Barangay.
In the fifth district, the Tupas family still rules despite their family feud.
Outgoing Rep. Raul “Boboy” lost his bid to regain the vice gubernatorial post but his wife Binky will replace him. His wife defeated older brother Niel Jr.
Another brother, Nieleto “Doc Darl,” is returning to the Iloilo provincial board.
Their cousin, former Rep. and Vice Gov. Rolex Tupas Suplico, was elected to the provincial board.
Another brother, Mayor Nielo, of Barotac Viejo was also re-elected.

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