Bongbong rallies Region 1 behind him in poll bid

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union - Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. worked double-time to swing by the provinces in Region 1 last week to rally support for his plan seeking higher office, apparently trying to gauge whether or not there is a so-called “solid North” behind him.

Here, on Sept. 25. Marcos got the crowd into a frenzy when he announced he will be running for higher office in 2016.

“I was still looking at all options two or three months ago. But the reelection plan (as senator) already stopped and we plan for a higher position,” he said.

But when asked which position he would be seeking, he replied: “Be patient.”

The son of the late strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos said he is still in consultation with different groups because “any national campaign needs to have support of the party.”

While he was pertaining to the Nationalista Party (NP) to which he belongs, he confirmed talks with other parties.

Asked if he is likely to run as the vice presidential candidate of Vice President JejomarBinay of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), Marcos said: “We have not finalized any tandem or partnership with anyone yet. It will be announced by me.”

Marcos was welcomed and toured in the museum of San Fernando City by Mayor Pablo C. Ortega, who just recently took his oath as a member of the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

The next day, the senator visited Dagupan City and was more straightforward with his intentions in 2016, asking the people of Pangasinan to join the Ilocanos in supporting him.

Region 1 is composed of the provinces of La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte, from which he hails and served as governor.

Citing how the vote of the “solid North” propelled him to the Senate in 2010, Marcos appealed for a repeat of their support when he seeks higher office.

As a parting shot, he told the Pangasinan people that he will make his announcement of candidacy “very soon.” – Liezle BasaInigo and Erwin G. Beleo