Velasco concedes, ending political dynasty’s reign

The powerful Velasco political dynasty appears to have lost its grip in Marinduque, as independent candidate Mel Go edges out incumbent Congressman Lord Allan Jay Velasco by just 251 votes in a tightly contested gubernatorial race.

Based on partial and unofficial results from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Go secured 64,985 votes against Velasco’s 64,734.

With 99 percent of election returns transmitted, the razor-thin margin signals a historic shift in the province’s political landscape.

Velasco, a former House Speaker and current Marinduque representative, officially conceded defeat Tuesday afternoon.

In a Facebook post, he thanked his supporters and expressed gratitude for their trust throughout the campaign.

The elder Velasco, retired Supreme Court Justice Presbitero Velasco, also lost his bid to reclaim a congressional seat, garnering 55,689 votes against independent candidate Rey “Kuya Rey” Salvacion, who received 72,464.

Further deepening the defeat, independent candidate Doc Romulo Bacorro captured the vice gubernatorial post with 74,853 votes, significantly ahead of Lyn Angeles of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, who had 51,044.

The twin losses of Lord Allan and his father Presbitero mark a stunning reversal for a dynasty that once held both the governorship and the lone congressional seat of the province.

The Velascos had attempted a strategic position switch in the 2025 elections, but the results suggest voters were ready for change.

As the final votes await official canvassing, the outcome reflects a broader sentiment in Marinduque — a decisive move away from entrenched political families toward new, independent leadership.