The family of former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson may be the biggest participating dynasty in the 2025 elections, according to a report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ). At least 23 members of the Singson clan are running for multiple positions this year.
Singson himself may have dropped out of the senatorial race in January 2025 after battling respiratory issues at 83 years old, but his family’s power over Ilocos Sur remains secure through his many relatives. His son, Luis Charles, for example, is running for Narvacan municipality councilor and Ako Ilocano Ako party-list representative. A resolution promulgated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in August 2024 states that candidates who run for two positions or more shall not be eligible for any of them.
Ako Ilocano Ako is also currently represented in Congress by Luis Charles’ sister, Richelle Raia Louise Singson Michael, who is vying for re-election. Other party-list nominees are Allen Gacula Singson, Chelsey Louisse Tiongson Singson, and Christian Luis Tiongson Singson.
The Singson clan also includes incumbent re-electionists Ilocos Sur Gov. Jeremias “Jerry” Singson, Vice Gov. Ryan Luis Singson, Candon City Mayor Eric Singson, and Candon Vice Mayor Kristelle Singson. All four are running unopposed, which means they are more than likely to keep their positions for the next three years.
Ilocos Sur First and Second District Representatives Randy Singson and Kristine Singson-Meehan are also seeking re-election.
Elsewhere in the Ilocos region, the Marcos political family also keeps a firm grip on their bailiwick.
In Ilocos Norte, re-electionist Senator Imee Marcos’ son, Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc, and his aunt, Vice Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, are running unopposed to swap positions in the coming elections. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s son, Ilocos Norte First District Rep. Sandro Marcos, and cousin Second District Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba are also running unopposed to keep his seat in Congress. Another cousin of the president, Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, is also vying for a re-election.
The Marcos and Singson dynasties’ hold over the Ilocos region begs the question: is their ability to maintain power indicative of the people’s satisfaction with their leadership?
Imee, who is opposed to anti-dynasty legislation, seems to believe her clan is doing something right. “Sa isang pamilya, bakit mo naman ipagbabawal [tumakbo] kung magagaling naman iyong ibang kamag-anak?” she said in response to the anti-political dynasty provision of the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform law.
Chavit, in an interview with ONE News, said discussions on political dynasties are “no longer relevant.”
“Kung gusto ka [ng mga botante], iboboto ka nila,” he said. But with many of the Singson and Marcos candidates running unopposed in the elections, Ilocos’ voters may not even have a choice, maybe aside from abstaining.
