Marcos, Singson clans sure winners in Ilocos poll races
BAGUIO CITY—As the campaign for local positions start today, several prominent political families in northern Luzon are sure to hold on to power, with several candidates running unopposed in key local positions.
In Ilocos Norte province, Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc, son of Sen. Imee Marcos, is running uncontested for vice governor, swapping positions with his aunt, Vice Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos.
President Marcos’ son, Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos of the first district, and his nephew, Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba of the second district, are both seeking reelection unopposed.
Political switches extend to Ilocos Norte’s Banna town, where incumbent Mayor Mary Chrislyn Abadilla and her husband, Vice Mayor Carlito Abadilla II, are set to exchange roles, both running unchallenged.
Carlito II, son of former mayor Carlito Abadilla Sr., has held key local positions since 2013, following his father’s passing.
In Nueva Era town, also in Ilocos Norte, spouses Mayor Aldrin Garvida and Vice Mayor Caroline Garvida are also seeking reelection without any opposition.
The Singson political dynasty in nearby Ilocos Sur remains dominant, with several members running unopposed.
Gov. Jerry Singson, brother of political veteran and former Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, is seeking another term. He served as vice mayor of Vigan from 1988 to 1995.
Chavit’s son, Ryan, is unopposed in his reelection bid as vice governor, while Chavit’s cousin, Candon City Mayor Eric Singson, is seeking reelection with his niece Kristelle as vice mayor, both of them unopposed.
In 2022, Eric succeeded his son, Ericson, as mayor of Candon. In the same year, Kristelle won her second term as vice mayor.
Vigan City Vice Mayor Randy Singson, another son of Chavit, is running unopposed for mayor to replace his uncle, Jose “Bonito” Singson Jr.
Abra
In Abra, it’s all over but the counting for several unopposed candidates.
In Bucay town, Ronald Balao-as is set to assume the mayoral seat with no contest, while Benipaz Balao-as is also running unchallenged for vice mayor.
For the mayoral position in Daguioman town, Yang Yang Padilla is the lone contender.
In Danglas town, Esther Bernos is unopposed for mayor, while her running mate Russell Bragas—now serving as vice governor and acting governor —is the lone candidate for vice mayor.
Nina Bernos is also running unopposed for mayor of La Paz town, with running mate Abbeng Timbreza also sure to win as vice mayor. In San Juan town, the tandem of Ari Bautista for mayor and Arthur Bautista for vice mayor is unchallenged.
