ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – It’s official. Laoag City Councilor Bryan Alcid is the Marcoses’ bet against reelectionist Michael Keon, and they showed this by attending and witnessing the mayoral aspirant submit his candidacy papers to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Backed by the Marcoses, first-term councilor and businessman, filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Monday, October 7, challenging Keon, a relative of the First Family.
Alcid received the endorsement of the Marcoses on Friday, October 4. Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos said their family was “disappointed” with Keon, his uncle.
“Kaya ang hinihingi ko sa mga Laoageño ngayon ay kung puwede ilagay nila ang tiwala nila sa akin, ilagay nila ang tiwala sa pamilya Marcos para sa pagkandidato ng mayor at vice mayor, at pangako ko po sa mga Laoageño, ay hinding hindi sila mabibigo sa mga tao na hinaharap namin sa kanila,” Sandro said.
(What I am asking from the people of Laoag now is if they could put their trust in me, put their trust in the Marcos family for the candidacies of mayor and vice mayor. And I promise the people of Laoag that they will not be disappointed with the candidates we present to them.)
The Marcoses have also endorsed Alcid’s running mate, Councilor Handy Lao.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accompanied Alcid, Lao, and the entire “Team Marcos” slate as they filed their COCs at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) officel.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Sandro also came along with Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos.
‘Historic’
Speaking to reporters after filing his COC, Alcid said he was elated and did not expect that the First Family would come and be with them that day.
He described it as “historic” that a President would witness the filing of a mayoral candidate’s COC in Laoag City.
“Nakakataba ng puso – nakaragragsak, ken diak in-expect nga umay da amin,” Alcid said, referring to the First Family’s presence.
(This is very heart-warming – I am so happy, and I did not expect that all of them would come.)
Alcid said he has no political rift with Keon, revealing that they have not yet spoken about their candidacies.
He acknowledged that he has “big shoes to fill” and mentioned that even before filing his COC, he had already been given a “to-do” list by Sandro and his father for Laoag City.
Drawing on his experience as a businessman, Alcid said he would prioritize improving health services in the city, addressing the condition of the city public market – which he described as the “heart of Laoag” – and tackling the traffic situation in the province.
During the 2022 national and local elections, the Marcoses also withdrew their support for Keon, backing Vice Mayor Vicentito “Toto” Lazo in a three-way race for the mayoral post.
Despite the endorsement, Lazo came in last, with Keon narrowly defeating his closest rival, former Laoag mayor Chevylle Fariñas, by just 160 votes. – Rappler.com