MANILA, Philippines – The Marcos family has long claimed the so-called "Solid North" as its own voting bloc, but some professionals in the region have come out publicly not only to campaign against Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr but also to declare their support for his rival.
Called "Ilocanos for Leni," the group issued a public statement signed by at least 11 professionals from the North who called on their fellow Ilocanos to go beyond “regional loyalty and vote for the most deserving candidate,” Liberal Party vice presidential bet Leni Robredo.
Robredo and Marcos, as well as Francis "Chiz" Escudero, are in a tight race to the vice presidency based on recent pre-election surveys.
“In her three years as a representative of Camarines Sur, Cong. Robredo has authored/sponsored a number of bills which are pro-people and which promote transparency, accountability and good governance,” the group said in a statement.
Among the signatories are retired public officials such as former Court of Appeals Associate Justice Wenceslao Agnir, former Science and Technology Secretary Dr Estrella Alabas and former Commission on Higher Education chairperson Dr Ester Garcia.
The group also includes academicians from the University of the Philippines such as Celia Hernando Tobia-Bulan and Dr Perla Legaspi, former dean of Miriam College, Dr Caridad Tharan, and incumbent president of the University of the Cordilleras Ray Dean Salvosa.
Singer and song writer Noel Cabangon and Young Mothers of Cordilleras president Frances Quiviger, both from the North, also threw their support behind Robredo.
This is the first time an organized anti-Marcos group is rallying behind a specific candidate. (READ: The Scrum: Why Bongbong Marcos might win as VP)
Robredo campaigned in the 2 Ilocos provinces last month, meeting with women's groups, the religious, and students. (READ: Leni Robredo campaigns solo in Marcos stronghold)
Like other anti-Marcos campaigners, the group cries “never again to Martial Law” because it will just negate the “significant strides” the country has achieved, especially in the economy.
“Under the Marcoses and martial rule, the Philippines, once second only to Japan in Asia, became an economic basket case,” the group added.
Aside from the sins of his family because of his father’s authoritarian rule, other professionals from Ilocos cite the senator's lackluster performance as a local official of the province as reason not to vote for him.
Juliet Pascual, former journalist based in Laoag City, told Rappler: “The claim that Bongbong has an impressive performance as governor is not true. I can’t recall any major project for the province in his 9-year stay.”
“To get the real picture, compare his lackluster performance as governor to Imee’s impressive first term,” she added.
Marcos served as Ilocos Norte governor from 1983 to 1986 and from 1998 to 2007. He is the only one among all 6 vice presidential candidates – all lawmakers - who worked in the executive. – Rappler.com