From Husband to Wife, Gorriceta Clan Calculates Hold on Power in 2nd District

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

(This story is part of a series of election reports examining political dynasties in Western Visayas.)

From the family’s patriarch to his son’s wife, Iloilo’s 2nd district congressional seat has remained with the Gorricetas since 2013 and will accumulate to a total of 15 consecutive years by 2028.

Now, with Michael Gorriceta stepping aside after two terms in the House of Representatives, his wife, Dr. Kathryn Joyce Fermin-Gorriceta, is set to inherit the district’s congressional seat unopposed in the 2025 elections.

Kathryn’s bid cements the Gorriceta family’s hold of the 2nd district to a total of 15 years by the end of her first term in 2028.

Michael’s reason for quitting politics — for now — is the possibility of pursuing a national position or other opportunities after his term ends.

“We want only one of us to run in politics, so I’m stepping aside. Kathy has done well with her advocacies, and it’s time to give her the spotlight,” Michael said.

Unlike her husband and late father-in-law, Kathryn has no prior experience in elected office. She holds a medical degree and has specialized in lifestyle medicine.

“We will continue the good programs from his (Michael) leadership, but as a doctor, my focus will be on upgrading hospital facilities, strengthening the organization, and improving the referral system in our district hospitals and rural health centers,” she said.

“We will also work on supporting education, promoting tourism, and empowering our people,” she added.

GORRICETAS END SYJUCO’S ERA

The late Arcadio Gorriceta, the family’s patriarch, started it all. He was a formidable force in ending the Syjuco family’s long-standing rule in the 2nd district.

Arcadio won the congressional seat in the 2013 elections, defeating then-reelectionist Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco Jr., who later contested the results, citing widespread glitches in the precinct count optical scanners.

His victory marked the end of the Syjuco’s dominance in the 2nd district, which they had controlled since 1998.

Arcadio served two consecutive terms, from 2013 to 2019, but did not seek a final term. In 2017, he was diagnosed with a spinal mass and Stage 4 cancer, which had spread to his kidneys and lungs.

Before entering higher office, Arcadio built his political career from the ground up, serving as mayor of Pavia for three terms, from 2004–2013.

The former congressman and mayor passed away in July 2020 at the age of 74.

KEEPING THE POWER

After Arcadio’s retirement from politics, the Gorriceta family sought to maintain its political stronghold in the 2nd district.

His only son, Michael, inherited the 2nd district in 2019. He will end his second term in June this year after not seeking his third and final term in the May midterm elections.

Like his father, Michael also began his career in local politics. After Arcadio completed his term as Pavia mayor, Michael succeeded him, serving from 2013 to 2019.

To keep Pavia in their grip, Michae’s cousin, Luigi, stepped in. He has been mayor since 2019 and is running unopposed for a final term, securing his tenure until 2028.

In total, the Gorriceta family has ruled Pavia for over 24 years, including Luigi’s final three-year term from 2025 to 2028.

Pavia is not the Gorriceta family’s only bailiwick — it extends to the neighboring town of San Miguel.

Michael’s aunt, Marina Luz Gorriceta, has served as mayor of San Miguel since 2019. Instead of seeking a final term, she is now running for vice mayor.

Her son, Ross Paul Gorriceta, is trying his luck for the mayoral post, aiming to sustain the family’s influence in San Miguel.

For now, the Gorriceta dynasty remains unchallenged, securing another chapter in its growing political legacy.

Whether this will ever change remains an open question—one that only the people of Iloilo’s 2nd district can answer. (Graphics by Maybelle Jabian, WVSU intern)