The Malapitans’ continued presence in government sparks debate on political dynasties and their impact on governance. Challenging their stronghold is former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who positions himself as the face of opposition.
How long have the Malapitans kept political seats?
For over a decade, the Malapitan dynasty has been holding a significant influence over the Caloocan city government.
Oscar Malapitan has served as Caloocan city’s mayor for three consecutive terms from 2013 to 2022, before changing positions with his son, Along.
Currently, Oscar is the 1st District representative, a position he previously held from 2004 to 2013, following his tenure as vice mayor from 2001 to 2004
Along Malapitan, before becoming mayor, served two terms in Congress from 2016 to 2022, reinforcing their family’s influence across both executive and legislative branches of local governance
If re-elected, Along Malapitan will further extend his family's control over the city, continuing the pattern of political dominance
For the 2025 midterm polls, Along is seeking re-election, emphasizing the need to complete ongoing projects and maintain the progress he made during his first term.
His father, Congressman Oscar Malapitan, is also running for a second term as 1st district representative.
While his brother, Enteng Malapitan, will be entering the politics scene for the first time, vying for a councilor seat in the 1st district.
Dynasty Wars
Aside from the Malapitans, other prominent political dynasties are also involved for the upcoming midterms election in the city, including Cons Asistio, Luis “LA” Asistio III’s wife, is running for councilor in the 2nd district, effectively maintaining their family’s political legacy as LA reaches his term limit, Dean Asistio seeking re-election as 3rd district representative, and son of former Mayor Recom Echiverri, King Echiverry, is running for councilor in the 3rd district.
The political landscape in Caloocan is not only defined by dynasties but also high-profile figures seeking a return to public office.
Former actress and councilor Marjorie Barretto, is making a political comeback as she runs for a councilor seat in the 1st district, having previously served in the 2nd district from 2007 to 2013.
Trillanes opposes Malapitan’s monopoly game
Political realignments are also taking place, with Malapitan successfully bringing former political rivals into his camp.
As for this election, Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has entered the Caloocan mayoral race, positioning himself as the leading opposition candidate against Malapitan.
Trillanes has strongly criticized the Malapital family’s political dominance, arguing that their prolonged rule has fostered corruption and hindered genuine progress in the city.
“Technically, the family may have been in power for a long time, but they were only in position, using their authority for their own benefit,” the former senator said.
Battle between two different dynasty members
Trillanes asserted that many Caloocan residents are “dissatisfied” and feel disconnected from the local government, claiming that public services remain inadequate despite years of the Malapitan dynasty in office.
He has directly accused the Malapitans of misusing public funds several times, alleging that resources intended for public welfare have been redirected for personal or political gain.
With this, Trillanes pledged to reallocate these funds towards education, employment programs, senior citizen benefits, and improved healthcare services.
“That's where our fight will begin, because a lot of Caloocan's funds are lost due to corruption, and we will use those funds to provide services to the people of Caloocan,” he stated in a chance interview.
In response, Malapitan has dismissed the allegations from Trillanes, stating that his experience as a public servant and track record in governance demonstrate his capability to lead the city effectively.
