Kho dynasty retains power in Masbate

ALBAY, Philippines — The Kho political dynasty has tightened its grip on Masbate after dominating key races in the 2025 midterm elections, with six members of the family winning local posts.

Governor Antonio “Tony” Kho and his son, 1st District Representative Richard Kho, are swapping positions after securing decisive wins. Richard, who ran under Lakas-CMD, garnered 316,495 votes (51.12% of registered voters) for governor, defeating Masbate City Mayor Socrates Tuason of the Liberal Party, who received 128,620 votes (20.77%), based on 79.61% of precincts reporting as of 12:12 a.m. on 13 May.

Tony Kho, who ran unopposed for the 1st District congressional seat, received 66,634 votes (10.76%).

Other members of the Kho family also secured victories:

• Elisa “Olga” Kho, Tony’s wife, won the 2nd District representative race under Lakas-CMD, defeating Liberal Party’s Noel Tuason and independent candidate Sherman Valera.

• Ara Kho, their daughter and the incumbent 2nd District congresswoman, won the Masbate City mayoralty race, defeating Ruby Sanchez-Morano of the Liberal Party.

• Wilton Kho, another son and incumbent 3rd District representative, retained his seat via landslide against Liberal Party candidate Ricar Vasquez.

• Kristine “Tintin” Salve Hao-Kho, Wilton’s wife and the incumbent mayor of Mandaon, also emerged victorious in her reelection bid.

With these wins, the Kho family continues to dominate the political landscape of Masbate, a known stronghold of dynastic politics in the Bicol region.