Ortega clan retains power in La Union amid family feuds, poll losses
La Union Gov. Raphaelle “Rafy” Ortega-David (left) and Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo Ortega. |—Website of the Provincial Government of La Union (launion.gov.ph) and official Facebook page of Rep. Dante Sotelo Garcia
SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION, Philippines — Despite internal rivalries and mixed results in the recent elections, the Ortega clan in this province continues to be a dominant political force in La Union, with several family members securing key positions even as others fell to defeat.
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, 28, the province’s first female and youngest governor, was unseated by her granduncle, incumbent Vice Gov. Mario Ortega, in a landslide victory. Mario garnered 252,425 votes, besting Rafy’s 162,303 votes, or a margin of over 90,000 votes.
While a close supporter of Mario noted there was “no animosity” between the two, tensions had surfaced as early as July 2, 2024, when Mario publicly criticized Rafy during her State of the Province Address.
He confronted her before the Provincial Board, accusing her of politicking instead of focusing on accomplishments and plans. Rafy reportedly listened in silence.
The incident sparked speculation that Mario would challenge Rafy for the governorship—speculation that was confirmed by his resounding win.
In a graceful concession, Rafy took to social media following her defeat:
“Holding my head up high! The people have spoken,” she wrote.
She added: “To my constituents and supporters, thank you for embracing the first female and youngest elected governor of La Union these past three years! I am always here to love and support you, LU (La Union), in whatever way I can.”
Other defeats
Rafy’s father, former Gov. Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III also lost his congressional bid in the second district to incumbent Rep. Dante Garcia. Francisco is the son of former Gov. Manuel Ortega.
In La Union’s first congressional district, Rep. Paolo Ortega—a son of Pablo Ortega and nephew to both Manuel and Mario—retained his seat, defeating his cousin, Provincial Board Member Joy Ortega, daughter of Manuel. Paolo secured 131,305 votes to Joy’s 45,554.
Pablo ran unopposed for vice mayor of San Fernando City. His wife, Mariquita Ortega—San Juan’s top councilor—won the mayoralty, defeating Manuel’s son, incumbent Vice Mayor Mannix Ortega.
Meanwhile, Mario’s daughter, Danielle Ortega, clinched a seat in the San Fernando City Council.
However, not all Ortega bets were victorious. San Fernando Vice Mayor Alfred Ortega, Manuel’s youngest son, lost his mayoral bid to incumbent Herminigildo Gualberto.
La Union Provincial Board Member Geraldine Ortega, Manuel’s wife, also failed to secure reelection.
Despite these setbacks, the Ortega clan continues to wield considerable influence in La Union. But the election results reflected a shifting political landscape—with dynastic strength increasingly tested by internal rivalries. /cb
