Borgy now out of Batac mayor race

ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – Michael “Borgy” Manotoc, the model-son of Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, has withdrawn his bid for the mayorship of Batac City in the May elections. 

Manoto’s withdrawal leaves re-electionist Mayor Jefrey Jubal Nalupta, son of former congressman Mariano Nalupta, a long-time political ally of the Marcoses, unopposed.

Earlier, Cecilia Marcos, wife of the governor’s cousin, board member Mariano Marcos II, also dropped her mayoral bid in Batac, hometown of the Marcoses, leaving re-electionist Vice Mayor Allan Nalupta also unopposed.

Gov. Marcos herself is running without a rival in her bid for a second term. 

For her part though, former first lady Imelda Marcos, who is seeking her second term as Ilocos Norte’s second district representative, is being challenged by lawyer Ferdinand Ignacio of Paoay town. – Charlie Lagasca, Teddy Molina