Velascos erased in Marinduque

After more than a decade of dominance in Marinduque politics, the once-formidable Velasco family suffered a sweeping upset in the 2025 midterm elections, marking a stunning reversal of fortunes for a dynasty that held the island province in its grip for 15 years.

Three members of the Velasco family (including former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his father, Governor Presbitero Velasco) lost their bids for public office in what many observers are calling "a decisive rejection of 'entrenched' political power".

In a closely watched gubernatorial race, Lord Allan fell short in his attempt to swap posts with his father, losing to Mel Go by a razor-thin margin of 253 votes. The loss ended Lord Allan's return bid to provincial leadership after completing his final term as Marinduque’s lone-district representative.

Presby was also handed a stunning defeat. The elder Velasco lost to independent candidate Reynaldo Salvacion, who previously lost bids for both governor and vice governor. This time, however, Salvacion triumphed with 72,464 votes over Velasco’s 55,689, a commanding lead of more than 16,000.

The Velasco family's attempt to claim the Mogpog mayoralty fell short, as Mike Velasco — son of Presbitero and former provincial administrator — lost his bid for his first elective post.

Velasco, a former provincial administrator, was defeated by former mayor Jojo Livelo, who staged a political comeback.

Independent candidate Livelo secured a decisive victory with 12,000 votes, while Velasco garnered 7,085.

Online, the mood was celebratory. Social media platforms were flooded with comments from Marinduqueños expressing what they described as a collective stand against political dynasties.

Some pointed to a growing awareness among the youth and first-time voters as key to the upset, citing calls for accountability, transparency and a break from what many saw as "years of political stagnation".

The Velascos, who once commanded the levers of power from the capitol to Congress, now find themselves shut out of public office entirely.

Their defeat carries it beyond Marinduque: Dynasties are no longer invincible.