Sandro most likely unopposed in Ilocos Norte

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (October 8, 2024)— Presidential son and Ilocos Norte first district represenative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Araneta Marcos III might just breeze through his second term as he would be uncontested this time. 

Filing his bid on Sunday, “Sandro” was with the First couple —President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Marie Louise "Liza" Araneta Marcos —and reelectionists Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Marcos-Manotoc, Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, and Ilocos Norte 2nd District Congressman Angelo Marcos-Barba, and the lawmaker’s cousin actor-host Paolo Bediones.

The young Marcos won against then incumbent first district Rep. Ria Christina Fariñas, the daughter of former majority floor leader and congressman Rodolfo Fariñas in 2022.

Aside from the young Marcos’ “support from above”, all Ilocos Norte mayors are behind him.

In his first term, “Sandro” served as Senior Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives. Among his legislative contributions were the SIM Card Registration Act and the Internet Transactions Act, the cybersecurity and e-commerce initiatives, and the passage of the Maharlika Investment Fund Act.

While the First Lady announced that she will support candidates supported by her son.

Earlier, the first family endorsed the candidacy of Laoag City Councilors Bryan Alcid and Handy Lao, who are running for Laoag City mayor and vice mayor, respectively.



Alcid will run against incumbent Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos-Keon, the President’s cousin, who is seeking reelection, while Lao will challenge incumbent Laoag City Vice Mayor Rey Carlos Fariñas, son of former Majority Speaker Rudy Fariñas and brother of former Rep. Ria Fariñas.