Keon not withdrawing from gov race

LAOAG CITY , Philippines  – Reelectionist Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael Marcos Keon declared he is pushing his reelection bid despite facing his cousin former Rep. Imee Marcos as opponent in next year’s elections.

Earlier, Imee and her mother former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos announced that they are not withdrawing from the gubernatorial and second district congressional races, respectively. Mrs. Marcos has filed her candidacy for Ilocos Norte’s second legislative district which will be vacated by her son Ferdinand “Bongbong” Jr.

The Marcoses had a falling out with Keon recently when the governor who is with Lakas Kampi NUCD declared that Ilocanos will support Bongbong who is running for senator “but not (Manny) Villar.”

Bongbong and Imee are alligned with Villar’s Nacionalista Party. 

“I have done everything to continue the legacy of the Marcoses especially Bongbong’s programs,” Keon told newsmen during the Christrmas party tendered by the provincial government at the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center.

He said he will not withdraw from the race despite having a heavy heart over the situation.

“Win or loss, I have to carry on the fight because of the clamor of our constituents,” he said.

This developed as outgoing first district Rep.Roque Ablan Jr. has decided to throw his support to Keon. Ablan had earlier filed his certificate of candidacy for governor but withdrew it a few days ago in favor of Keon.

Ablan had earlier expressed his sentiments against Bongbong and Imee for pitting former governor and congressman Rodolfo Fariñas against his son Christian who is running for the congressional post the elder Ablan is vacating.

Like Keon, the congressman who was a close ally of the late President Marcos said that he had done his best for the Marcos family but “I didn’t expect Imee and Bongbong to do this to me.”

Fariñas who was a last minute filer at the Comelec said that he was encouraged by Bongbong and Imee to file his candidacy opposing Ab­lan’s son.