Marinduque breaks free: Velasco dynasty falls

The narrow defeat of Governor Lord Allan Jay Velasco by independent candidate Mel Go in the 2025 elections has sparked a wave of emotional and powerful reactions from Marinduqueños, many of whom are calling it a historic moment of political awakening.

With a slim margin of just 251 votes — based on partial and unofficial results from the Commission on Elections — Go’s victory marks the apparent end of the Velasco political dynasty that has held sway over the province for years.

But beyond the numbers, it is the public’s response that tells the deeper story.

“It wasn’t merely the defeat of one politician — it was the fall of an entire political dynasty,” said Lolong Rejano, a digital creator and Marinduqueño, in a post on Facebook.

“It was a resounding declaration from an awakened and empowered electorate — long silent, now speaking with clarity and conviction,” he added.

Rejano described the moment as a “peaceful revolution at the ballot box,” emphasizing that the Velasco family’s decades-long dominance was not toppled by force or rebellion, but by the democratic will of the people.

His post resonated with many residents who had long felt that political dynasties were immovable forces in their province.

“This moment will be remembered not just as an election, but as a turning point,” Rejano continued.

“A long-entrenched family, once thought invincible, was unseated — not by violence or rebellion — but by the power of the vote,” he added.

For many Marinduqueños, the victory of Mel Go signifies more than just a change in leadership.

It represents the reclamation of their voice and the triumph of principle over patronage.

Rejano, a proud Marinduqueño, added, “Today, the people proved otherwise. Today, we chose the future over fear, principle over patronage, and unity over personal interest.”

The election result has been particularly celebrated by those who believe the province’s political status quo has stifled progress.

“Today, we reclaimed our voice,” said Glenn Nino Sartillo, another local netizen who shared his thoughts on social media.

“Marinduqueños have spoken, and the results are telling,” he added.

Sartillo went on to quote Ecclesiastes 3: “There is a time for everything… A time to build, a time to tear down, a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.”

For him, this quote encapsulated the sentiment felt by many in Marinduque as they marked the end of the Velasco era and the dawn of what they hope will be a new political era for their beloved province.

The people’s triumph, some argue, is not just a victory for Mel Go, but for good governance and accountability.

“Let this be remembered as the day Marinduque broke free — not with noise, but with purpose,” Rejano said.

As the dust settles on the election results, the focus now shifts to the future of Marinduque under the leadership of Mel Go, who will be joined by Vice Governor Romulo Aguinaldo Bacorro Jr. and Congressman Reynaldo Salvacion.

The hope is that these new leaders will serve as examples of integrity and excellence in public service, drawing inspiration from the Good Shepherd to guide the province towards greater heights.