The Khos and the politics of Masbate

Masbate Province might as well be renamed Masbate Kho. All the top elective offices in the province are monopolized by only one dynasty, the Kho family. As of today, there's no strong opposition.

- Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez

There was a time when the Espinosa political dynasty in Masbate was invincible in the '60's and '70's. Emilio Espinosa was a trusted follower of the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Miling Espinosa was appointed to the Cabinet and even ran for senator. But the Espinosas vanished politically and some were murdered. Then the Lanetes entered in the '80's and '90's followed by the Khos, who are now seemingly well-entrenched and very difficult to challenge.

Masbate isn’t a rich province but has vast potential for economic growth and socioeconomic progress, if only its leaders are genuinely interested and competent to steer the province toward development. The recent typhoon that devastated Masbate's infrastructure and livelihoods demonstrated how vulnerable this province is to natural calamities and disasters. It also showed how unprepared its officials are to protect and assist its people in times of great tragedies.