The political dynasty of Cong. Alexie Besas Tutor is poised to extend its hold on Bohol, with her husband, Candijay Vice Mayor Christopher Tutor, emerging as a likely successor to her House seat in 2028 — even as Bohol Vice Governor Nick Besas faces a legal hurdle in his bid to establish residency in the town of Jagna.
The Election Registration Board in Jagna is expected to dismiss Besas’ voter registration application after residents of Barangay Tubod Mar filed an opposition contesting his residency claim, Jagna election officer Atty. Sofronio Madrona said.
Besas, who is widely seen as a possible congressional contender in the 3rd district, submitted a deed of sale and a lease contract for the house where he stays during visits to Jagna, as well as proof of prior enrollment at Colegio de la Medalla Milagrosa, in support of his application.
Madrona said the ERB held a hearing on June 1, 2026 covering all voter applicants in the town, during which the opposition from Tubod Mar residents was formally received.
The petition stated that residents had never seen Besas (former barangay captain of Cogon, Tagbilaran City) in their barangay and had no knowledge of any property acquisition in the area.
Despite the setback, Madrona said Besas should not abandon hope, noting that a continuing registration period remains open ahead of the 2028 elections.
A Family in Power
The maneuvering over the congressional seat reveals the dominance of political dynasties in the Philippines — a practice that has persisted for decades despite a constitutional mandate to dismantle it.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution explicitly prohibits political dynasties, but Congress — composed largely of dynastic politicians — has never passed the enabling law required to give the provision legal force.
Successive legislative sessions have seen anti-dynasty bills filed and shelved, with critics accusing lawmakers of protecting their own political families.
The Tutors reflect a pattern common in the country where spouses, children, and siblings rotate through executive and legislative positions at the local and national level, maintaining uninterrupted control over patronage networks and public resources.
Christopher Tutor currently serves as vice mayor of Candijay, one of the municipalities within the 3rd district.
No formal announcement of his congressional bid has been made, and no candidate has publicly confirmed plans for the seat.
All assessments of potential succession remain speculative.
Rep. Alexie Tutor has not issued any statement on the matter.