By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
(This story is part of a series of election reports examining political dynasties in Western Visayas.)
Capiz Gov. Fredenil “Oto” Castro played a key role in the legislative process for anti-political dynasty bills while serving in Congress.
Ironically, his family’s entrenched position in the province’s political landscape highlights an enduring example of dynastic rule.
His wife, Jane Tan-Castro, is now poised to solidify the family’s grip on Capiz’s 2nd congressional district in the 2025 midterm elections.
Running unopposed, she stands one step closer to cementing a 27-year hold on the seat.
Jane first served as 2nd District representative from 2010 to 2013 and reclaimed the seat in 2022 after a long hiatus.
The Castro couple has largely passed the congressional post between them over the past two decades.
Fredenil entered Congress in 2001 and served until 2010, completing the maximum three consecutive terms.
With term limits in place, Jane ran and won in 2010, holding the seat for one term.
In 2013, Fredenil returned to reclaim the post and served until 2022.
During the 16th Congress, Fredenil chaired the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms.
In 2013, the committee unanimously approved House Bill 3587, also known as the Anti-Political Dynasty Act of 2013.
The bill sought to ban political dynasties, defined as when two or more individuals related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity hold or run for public office in successive, simultaneous or overlapping terms.
Fredenil delivered the sponsorship speech in May 2014, the first time since 1988 that such a bill reached the plenary level.
“This opens a new page in the history of our country,” he said.
Despite this progress, the bill failed to pass into law, reflecting the broader difficulty of curbing dynasties in Philippine politics.
With term limits again in play, Fredenil shifted to provincial politics and won as Capiz governor in 2022.
Now seeking reelection, he faces two independent challengers: Christopher Barrio and Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras.
Contreras was his opponent in 2022 and served as vice governor from 2010 to 2019 and governor from 2019 to 2022.
DUMALAG STRONGHOLD
The Castros’ influence also extends to Dumalag, Fredenil’s hometown, where multiple family members hold or are vying for public office.
Their daughter, Maria Concepcion “Khuku” Castro, is the incumbent mayor and is seeking reelection unopposed in 2025.
Their son, Fredenil “Dean” Castro II, currently an SB member, is running for vice mayor.
Fredenil’s nephew, Amado Eriberto “Odoy” Castro Jr., served as Dumalag mayor from 2013 to 2022 and is now the vice mayor.
Another nephew, Rainjo “Dodoy” Castro, is running for SB member in the upcoming election.
His sister, Lilia Castro, was Dumalag’s vice mayor from 2013 to 2016 and later served as an SB member from 2016 to 2022.
Fredenil’s past push for an anti-dynasty law now contrasts sharply with his family’s political dominance.
As Capiz voters return to the polls, they face a broader question: In a system where surnames often outweigh platforms, what does true representation mean—and who ultimately decides? (Graphics by Maybelle Jabian)
