Love for Marinduque drove politician’s return

Governor-elect Mel Go on Monday said his love for Marinduque prompted his return to politics after a decade-long hiatus.

Go, who had retired from public office 10 years ago, said he was moved by what he saw as long-standing gaps in governance and public service.

“Of course, when you love your province, you notice the things that are being forgotten or neglected. That’s why I came back,” he said in Filipino.

Asked about his winning strategy, Go credited his running mates — Vice Governor-elect Romulo Bacorro, Rep. Rey Salvacion, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Gilbert Daquioag and John Pelaez — collectively known as “Team Marinduqueño.”

“We went around the province and communicated our intentions,” Go said, adding that they are committed to addressing the province’s pressing issues immediately.

Go admitted he was surprised by the number of votes he garnered, especially against a rival from the powerful Velasco political clan. “Thankfully, we came through unscathed,” he said.

He also recalled the Velascos’ entry into Marinduque politics 16 years ago, noting that despite repeated promises from 2010 to 2022, electricity supply in the province remains unreliable.

“It’s funny — when the Velascos came in 16 years ago, we were with them in 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 until 2022. They promised that power project, and yet we still rely on power barges brought in during President Ramos’ time,” he said.

Go added that during his last term, plans for establishing a local power producer were already underway under then-Gov. Carmencita Reyes, who served from 1998 to 2007 and again in 2010.

However, the project was shelved when the Velascos assumed leadership.

“We’ll probably revive those plans to bring down electricity costs. They’re too high right now,” he said.