FOR the past several years, the province of Bulacan has been dominated by a few political families. The victory of former television actor-turned-politician Daniel Fernando as its 34th governor marked a shift in the province’s political landscape after he defeated his former running mate and longtime governor, Willy Sy-Alvarado, in the last elections.

Sy-Alvarado filed his candidacy last year in an attempt to reclaim his seat in the upcoming May polls. 

However, even before the race between him and Fernando could heat up, their candidacies are now being challenged by Salvador “Bogs” Violago—a known  businessman and political figure and former Meycauayan, Bulacan vice mayor who has built a career in politics and is allegedly in “smuggling,” too.

Violago was endorsed by the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas as its bet for Bulacan’s gubernatorial race under the banner “Asenso Bulakenyo,” a leadership approach aimed at uplifting the province in key areas like public infrastructure and social services.

Under the program, several initiatives like livelihood programs and educational assistance will be given to Bulacan residents. 

Violago aims his “Asenso Bulakenyo” governance to strengthen Bulacan leadership through reforms that are “felt” by everyone.

But even before those programs earned him recognition, Violago had already been embroiled in controversies that hounded his way out of the gubernatorial race.

In January 2023, Senator Raffy Tulfo identified several alleged big-time oil smugglers during a Senate consultation meeting with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on the controversial fuel marking program.

Among those named was Bogs Violago, who, along with Alex Chua, Jong Mangundadatu, and Dondon Alahas, was said to be operating in Mariveles, Bataan. 

Others identified included Don Rabonza in Navotas, as well as Sonny Qiu, Jackie Chu, Aron Uy, and Lyndon Tan, who reportedly operated in Batangas and Sariaya.

The allegations remain under investigation but Violago seems to shrug off the issue. 

Past shadows 

As Violago attempts to unseat Fernando, his family’s controversies cast a shadow over his bid for public office.

Five days before the 2013 midterm elections, San Rafael, Bulacan Vice Mayor Cipriano “Goto” Violago, Jr., who was running for mayor, went into hiding after a court issued a warrant for his arrest over the 2012 murder of a CIDG operative.  

Judge Corazon Domingo-Ranola of RTC Branch 10 issued the arrest warrant on May 8, 2013, against Violago and four others: Vergel dela Rosa Liquino, Nicolas “Boyet” Mangaluz, Joel Mangaluz, and Tristan S. Cruz IV. 

No bail was recommended as per reports.  

The case, filed by the CIDG, involved the killing of SPO1 Rafael “Bart” Bartolome, who was reportedly close to Violago before his death.  

Goto was in a tight mayoral race against incumbent Mayor Lorna Silverio. His younger brother, Bogs, was also running for mayor in Meycauayan against Mayor Joan Alarilla at the time of the controversy.

Despite the dispute, this never stopped the Violago clan from engaging in public service and expanding their influence across Bulacan, which they later leveraged in their bid for the gubernatorial position in the upcoming polls.