Sandro most likely unopposed in Ilocos Norte

-Art Dumlao- — October 8, 2024

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.


Time to Pass the Torch: Why Political Comebacks Are Not the Answer

Time to Pass the Torch: Why Political Comebacks Are Not the Answer

By Malou Laxamana Pascual • May 5, 2025
As the May 12 election nears, a quiet but growing movement is making itself heard in Baguio City. It does not come from the traditional campaign stage or the usual political dynasties. It is not funded by machinery or driven by name recall. It comes from the ground, from the young, and from those who are tired of the cycle. Tired of the same names, the same faces, the same families. Tired of watching opportunity slip away as public service is reduced to a personal brand.
ASEAN bloc called on to protect journalists, media freedom

ASEAN bloc called on to protect journalists, media freedom

By Art Dumlao • May 4, 2025
ASEAN bloc called on to protect journalists, media freedom
Abra lawmaker tops RPMD Foundation’s job performance assessment

Abra lawmaker tops RPMD Foundation’s job performance assessment

By Art Dumlao • May 3, 2025
Abra lawmaker Menchie Bernos bested five of her Cordillera congressmen-colleagues at the most recent job performance assessment ‘Boses ng Bayan' by RPMD Foundation Inc. (RPMD).