ILOILO – Mark John Velasco, a 35-year-old independent religious preacher from Zarraga town, has officially filed his candidacy for the vice governor position of Iloilo Province for the upcoming May 12, 2025 elections.
The filing took place at the VIP Lounge, Ground Floor, Festive Walk Mall in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, making Velasco the first to submit his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Wednesday morning, October 2.
Velasco, a resident of Barangay Tubigan, Zarraga, expressed his aspiration to support either re-electionist Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. or the next governor in office, emphasizing the vast responsibilities that come with the governorship as his primary reason for not pursuing that position himself.
âOur governor is doing well. I aim to serve as vice governor; that is what the Lord guides me to,â Velasco said.
He also aims to be a voice for the economically disadvantaged, advocating for economic improvements under President Ferdinand âBongbongâ Marcos Jr.âs administration.
If elected, Velasco plans to focus on reducing staple food prices and increasing agricultural productivity, particularly in rice production.
âWe will work on increasing the stock and supply of rice. We shouldnât convert all farmlands for subdivisions but should continue to plant rice. With more supply, the prices of vegetables and rice can indeed drop,â Velasco added.
Despite facing competition from Mayor Nathalie Ann Debuque of Anilao town and 5th Districtâs Cong. Raul Tupas, who are also expected to file their COCs for the same position, Velasco remains undeterred. He stated that he is ready to accept the outcome, even if it means returning to his private life as a preacher and businessman if he does not win.
This marks Velasco’s fourth attempt in politics, having previously run for municipal councilor of Zarraga in 2016, vice mayor in 2019, and congressman for the second district in 2022, all of which were unsuccessful bids./PN
