‘ROBINHOOD OF ZARRAGA’: Preacher Files Candidacy for Iloilo Vice Governor

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Mark John Velasco, a 35-year-old preacher from Barangay Tubigan, Zarraga, and former talent search finalist, became the first candidate to file his candidacy for a provincial post in Iloilo, seeking the position of vice governor.

Velasco, running as an independent, submitted his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at the Iloilo Provincial Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office in Festive Walk Mall’s VIP Lounge in Mandurriao on Oct. 2, the second day of the filing period.

Identifying himself as the “Robinhood” of his town, Velasco has long been involved in grassroots efforts to assist the underprivileged.

“I haven’t told anyone, but I’ve been doing good deeds for our fellow citizens for a long time. However, it’s limited because I use only my income to help the poor on the streets, which is why I’m known as Robinhood,” he said in an interview.

The independent candidate expressed his support for the current governor, stating that Iloilo’s growing population presents a challenge no single leader can address alone.

“Our governor is doing well. I just want to be vice governor, as directed by God. When people are hungry, we must increase our food supply. Rice is the number one priority; we should not convert farmlands into subdivisions when they can still be used for planting rice and vegetables,” Velasco said.

He also urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to ensure that farmers receive adequate supplies of rice, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, he sought government backing for a long-standing project he has been working on, although he did not disclose details, assuring it would benefit the province.

This marks Velasco’s fourth attempt at public office. He previously ran unsuccessfully for vice mayor of Zarraga in 2016, congressman of the 2nd District in 2019, and a seat on the Sangguniang Bayan of Zarraga in 2022.

Velasco will face 5th District Rep. Raul Tupas Jr. and Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque, the running mate of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., who are set to file their COCs on Oct. 3 and 7, respectively.

Despite acknowledging his opponents’ financial resources and political machinery, Velasco believes the focus should be on serving the community effectively. He referred to his competitors as “friends” and emphasized that his candidacy is not about competition but about helping the people of Iloilo.

Though committed to his political aspirations, Velasco revealed that his true dream is to become an artist. If his candidacy is unsuccessful, he said he may return to the entertainment industry, having been a finalist in StarStruck Batch 5 in 2009.

Outside of politics, Velasco is also a blogger and operates a small business specializing in herbal oil products.

The filing period for the 2025 elections will continue until Oct. 8.

Provincial election supervisor Atty. Reinier Layson reported that the second day of filing was smooth, with Velasco being the only candidate to submit his COC. Layson expects more candidates to file in the coming days and said the venue is fully prepared, with Velasco’s filing serving as a dry run for their operations.

On the municipal level, the Iloilo Provincial COMELEC reported that as of Oct. 1, 39 candidates have filed their COCs for various positions. Of these, two candidates each have filed in the 1st and 2nd Districts, 16 in the 3rd District, 13 in the 4th District, four in the 5th District, and two for Iloilo City (one for the House of Representatives).