The May 2025 Philippine midterm elections once again underscored the strong influence of political dynasties across the country. While many well-known families successfully defended their positions, some experienced surprising defeats, signaling subtle shifts in voter preferences.
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Nationwide Entrenchment of Political Clans
Political dynasties remain deeply entrenched throughout the Philippines, proving once again that family names carry significant weight in local and provincial elections. The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) reports that around 87% of provincial governors come from political clans, while 113 out of 149 city mayors also hail from established families. This reality highlights how political power continues to be concentrated within a relatively small group of families, often limiting opportunities for fresh faces and new ideas.
Among the dynasties that successfully defended their positions in the May 2025 elections, the Ynares family in Rizal stands out as a prime example of enduring political influence. Nina Ricci Ynares secured her second term as governor with an overwhelming 83% of the vote, continuing a family reign that has spanned over 30 years. Her sister Mia Ynares also captured a congressional seat, further cementing their family's hold over the province. Such dominance raises questions about political competition and the real choice voters have in some areas.
In Mindanao, the Duterte family continued to solidify their control in Davao City, with Rodrigo Duterte winning another term as mayor and his sons Sebastian and Paolo winning key posts as vice mayor and congressman. This dynasty's persistence shows how political brands built on name recognition and local networks still shape electoral outcomes.
Similarly, the Marcos family maintained their grip on Ilocos Norte, with Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos both securing re-election. The Marcos brand, despite its controversial national history, remains a powerful force in its home region.
The Binays in Makati also weathered internal rivalries to hold key leadership roles, underscoring how even political families facing internal competition manage to maintain their presence. In Cavite, the Tolentino family’s hold on local government posts remained firm, while in Lanao del Norte, the Dimaporo clan continued its political dominance. The Garcia family in Bataan, the Zamora family in Mandaluyong City, and the Mangudadatu family in Maguindanao all managed to keep their local strongholds, reflecting a widespread pattern of dynastic persistence across the archipelago.
Political Dynasties That Lost Ground
While many political clans managed to hold their ground, some prominent dynasties suffered notable setbacks, suggesting that voters are not entirely resigned to dynastic rule. The Velasco family in Marinduque experienced a significant blow when Lord Allan Velasco lost his bid for governor, ending the family’s decade-long control of the province. This defeat may signal a shift in voter sentiment toward seeking alternatives beyond traditional family names.
In Zamboanga del Norte, the Jalosjose family failed to secure key positions, marking a rare loss for a dynasty that has long been influential in the area. Such losses remind us that even established clans are vulnerable when faced with strong local opposition or changing political dynamics.
Perhaps most striking was the absence of any Pacquiao family members winning seats in Sarangani. Once a dominant force in the province, the Pacquiaos’ political influence appears to be waning, reflecting the difficulty of maintaining dynastic power amid evolving voter preferences.
The Garcia family in Cebu, while still present, faced stronger challenges and lost ground in some districts, indicating that local rivalries and shifting alliances continue to reshape the political landscape. Meanwhile, the Estrada family in San Juan struggled to regain or maintain their traditional posts, facing stiff competition from entrenched opponents like the Zamoras.
Cracks In The Armor
This blend of victories and defeats among political dynasties across the country paints a complex picture. While the grip of political clans remains strong in many provinces and cities, growing opposition and changing voter attitudes show that political dynasties are not invincible.
The 2025 elections may not have toppled dynastic power, but they revealed cracks that could pave the way for more competitive and inclusive politics in the future.
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