ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – For the first time since the Marcos family’s rise, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stood on a campaign stage in his home province, where his kin now holds all the seats – the provincial capital, both congressional districts, and the city.
It was neophyte politician Sandro Marcos, the President’s 31-year-old son, who secured the family’s grip on power in the 2022 elections by defeating the incumbent representative of the second district, Ria Fariñas. The Fariñas clan, once a formidable political force, saw their patriarch, former congressman Rodolfo Fariñas, lose decisively to Matthew Marcos Manotoc, the incumbent governor.
Today, the third-generation Fariñases find themselves in insignificant roles, with no significant check on the Marcos family’s dominance in Ilocos Norte.
“The three years that followed the last elections happened too fast,” President Marcos Jr. reflected in Filipino, as he launched his administration’s senatorial campaign on February 11 at the packed Centennial Arena in Laoag City. “Here we are again on the campaign trail,” he noted.
Longtime residents of Laoag City recall a time when both families, the Fariñases and Marcoses, shared power AND co-existed peacefully. The Fariñases controlled the city and the first district’s northern towns, while the Marcoses ran the province and the second district. “Now that balance is gone,” one landowner lamented.
Marcos Family Control
Matthew Manotoc, the eldest son of presidential sister and senator Imee Marcos, is now the governor. His aunt, Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, married to the President’s late uncle Mariano “Nonong” Marcos II, holds the position of vice governor. The second district, formerly led by former first lady Imelda Marcos, is now represented by her nephew, Angelo Marcos Barba, son of the President’s youngest sister, Fortuna Barba-Marcos. The mayor of Laoag City, Michael Marcos Keon, is a son of the late president’s other sister, Elizabeth.
While everyone is running for reelection in May, Matthew and Cecilia decided to swap posts. Matthew, who is qualified for a third term, stepped down to prioritize his focus on marriage.
However, local political insiders suggest his mother, Imee Marcos, engineered the move so that Matthew could run for governor again in 2028, preserving the family’s legacy.
Despite the smooth transition within the family, Michael Keon faces a tough challenge. He is running for his last term as Laoag City mayor, but the Marcoses support Bryan Alcid, a first-term councilor and longtime contractor.
Dissent Within Family
The family’s internal competition is not new. In 2022, they backed Toto Lazo as Michael Keon’s opponent, hoping to secure the city for their allies. Lazo failed to win, placing third, while Chevylle Fariñas came in second.
During the latest electoral cycle, the President and First Lady visited Bryan Alcid’s campaign rally, signaling their support. Alcid expressed his excitement at the President’s presence, describing it as a “historic moment.”
Sandro Marcos explained that their endorsement was based on Keon’s perceived mismanagement of city governance. The President’s son urged voters to trust in the Marcos family for the mayor and vice mayor candidacies.
Imee’s Senate Run
Imee Marcos’ involvement in the 2022 elections was notable, as she did not campaign herself. Instead, she supported local candidates through financial and material help, forging alliances to secure victory for her father’s party.
This election cycle, Imee’s senatorial campaign is facing challenges. Recent surveys underscore the tight race, revealing fluctuations in her public appeal.Political analysts attribute her inconsistent popularity to her brother Ferdinand’s and his allies’ criticism of her stance on key issues.
Joey Salgado summarized, “Senator Marcos has been acting in a manner that doesn’t align with expectations from an elder sister of the incumbent president.”
Despite her high profile and financial might, Imee declined to join the administration’s official Senate slate. Consequently, her first campaign ad excluded her, leading to questions about whether she would attend the Marcos campaign kickoff in Laoag City.
Imee attended the event, addressing critics directly. She emphasized her role as a Marcos, urging families to set aside sibling differences and focus on Filipinos’ needs.
Audible tensions remain, particularly with her cousin, Angelo Barba. Imee did not acknowledge Angelo during her speech, raising questions about underlying conflicts within the Marcos family.
Imee’s heavy campaign presence – plastering posters across the province – may be an attempt to bolster her image and retain voter loyalty.
Local politicians noted that while tensions run high among adults, the younger generation, including Matthew and Sandro, have maintained friendly relations.
Imee’s public appearance at the kickoff, addressing family and voters alike, underscores her determination to secure her political future. To do so, she must navigate the complex family dynamics and reassert her relevance and allegiance to their shared name.
All eyes are now on the May elections. Will the Marcos family’s unified front withstand the scrutiny, or will internal rivalries overshadow their campaign?
We’ll have to wait and see. One thing is certain: the political landscape of Ilocos Norte remains as contentious and intriguing as ever.
