Siquijor Provincial Alliances Duel for Power

By John Sitchon

This story is republished with permission from Rappler as part of a content-sharing partnership for the 2025 Philippine elections.

CEBU, Philippines – Two major forces are competing for the top elective posts in the island province of Siquijor.

One is led by the combined forces of Siquijor gubernatorial candidate Nale Vincent Masayon, Siquijor Vice Governor Mimi Quezon, and Siquijor vice gubernatorial candidate Dean “Danny” Villa.

Their team name, MMV, is drawn from the first letters of their names and is closely associated with provincial party Pundok Barog Alyansa (PBA). Their party is primarily fielding candidates who are bets of Aksyon Demokratiko, whose party president is Manila mayoral candidate Isko Moreno.

They are up against “JJT” — longtime public servants Siquijor Governor Jake Vincent Villa, Siquijor Representative Zaldy “Jecoy” Villa, and Siquijor Provincial Board Member Dindo Tumala. They are running under Partido Siquijodnon, which is backed by Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the party of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Rappler lists down some of the races to follow this campaign season in Siquijor.

Villa dynasty sees new challenger

GUBERNATORIAL RACE. Clockwise from top left: Siquijor Provincial Board Member Dindo Tumala, Siquijor Governor Jake Vincent Villa, Enrique Villanueva Mayor Nale Vincent Masayon, and ex-Larena Mayor Dean ‘Danny’ Villa. Photos from their Facebook pages

Reelectionist Siquijor Governor Jake Vincent Villa, the PFP bet, is up against Nale Vincent Masayon, the mayor of Enrique Villanueva town and Aksyon’s provincial bet.

Villa’s running mate is Provincial Board Member Dindo Tumala, while Masayon’s vice gubernatorial candidate is former Larena mayor Dean “Danny” Villa who lost to the incumbent governor in the 2022 polls.

Congressional race: Villa vs vice governor vs newcomer

It’s well-known that the Villas are a prominent political dynasty in the province. The clan is headed by Siquijor congressman Zaldy Villa, the governor’s father.

Zaldy, who is running under the Speaker Martin Romualdez-led Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas–CMD), was Siquijor governor from 2013 to 2022.

Term-limited Siquijor Vice Governor Mimi Quezon-Brown is Zaldy’s challenger, carrying the banner of Aksyon. Joining them in the congressional race is independent candidate and political newcomer Johnney Ensong.

Vice governor’s father takes step down in Siquijor town

Siquijor town Mayor Richard Quezon, the vice governor’s father, is running for vice mayor with Arturo Pacatang as his mayoral candidate. Both are under Aksyon.

They are going up against the tandem of PFP bets Adam Duhaylungsod and Jayson Dawami for mayor and vice mayor, respectively.

Vice mayor sets eyes on Enrique Villanueva mayorship

In Enrique Villanueva town, Masayon’s hometown, Vice Mayor Ruth Aque is seeking to take over the mayoral seat. She is running with vice mayoral candidate Gerold Pal-ing under PFP.

Aksyon bet Gina Magsalay-Medalle is running for mayor in tandem with vice mayoral bet Neh Karl Dimalig.

Lazi husband-wife duo vs Partido Siquijodnon mayor vs independents

Lazi Vice Mayor Rose Mae Dalaygon is challenging reelectionist Lazi Mayor Phil Moore Largo. Dalaygon’s running mate is her husband, Mark Harold Dalaygon.

Largo’s running mate is Michael Omictin. Both are allied with the Villa-Tumala tandem of Partido Siquijodnon.

Aksyon bets James Monte and Orpheus Fua are also running for mayor and vice mayor, respectively. Independent mayoral candidate Hannah Mae Ensong — Johnney’s wife — and independent vice mayor candidate Isidore Dumam-ag are also part of the race.

Maria town: Husband-wife tandem vs PBA bets

In Maria town, reelectionist Mayor Roselyn Asok is being challenged by Steff Aidan Daug who is with PBA and Aksyon.

Former Maria mayor Dondon Asok is his wife’s vice mayoral candidate. Another candidate for vice mayor is lawyer Ivy Steve Paulin.

Villa vs Villa in Larena

Larena Mayor Cyrus Vincent Calibo and Larena Vice Mayor Jan Dean Villa, both reelectionists, are running under PBA. Jan Dean is the son of Dean “Danny” Villa.

Their challengers are Partido Siquijadnon duo Elvis Villa and Clare Lucero who are vying for mayor and vice mayor, respectively. Elvis is the uncle of Siquijor Governor Jake Vincent Villa.

San Juan: Father and son vs PFP bets

Reelectionist San Juan Mayor Wilfredo Capundag Jr. is being challenged by San Juan Vice Mayor Rubilyn Ragay. Capundag used to be the local bet of the PFP but he has switched sides and has decided to run under Aksyon. His running mate is his son, Jayson Capundag.

Ragay is running under PFP with San Juan Councilor Dario Ocay as her vice mayoral candidate. Another vice mayoral bet is independent candidate Dioscoro Maata. Rappler.com