Sandro Marcos likely running unopposed in Ilocos Norte

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Presidential son and Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Araneta Marcos III (Ilocos Norte, 1st District) might easily secure a second term, as he is set to run uncontested this time.

 Sandro filed his House bid on Monday, October 7, accompanied by the first couple —President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos —as well as reelectionists Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Joseph Marcos-Manotoc, Vice Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, and Rep. Angelo Marcos-Barba (Ilocos Norte, 2nd District), and the lawmaker’s cousin, 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 "Rudy" Fariñas in 2022.

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.

Meanwhile, 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 and brother of former Rep. Ria.