Around 50 congressmen and local political leaders of the so-called “Solid North” gathered Sunday in what Sen. Imee Marcos described as “pre-SONA” merienda at the senator’s old house in San Juan City, in Metro Manila.
Although her brother, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has yet to make a final announcement of his 2022 poll plan, the gathering was interpreted by some attending congressmen as an assessment of the young Marcos’ chances to win in next year’s presidential race.
With a 17.8 percent rating, the former senator scored a close second in the latest survey of Publicus Asia Inc. to the presidential daughter who got 20.8 percent, with Vice President Leni Robredo at third place with 13.2 percent and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in fourth place with a score of 11.3 percent.
“If he decides to run for president, Bongbong will surely get the block votes of the so-called ‘solid north’ which count to a few millions coming from the provinces of Regions 1 and 2 and some parts of Region 3,” said one congressman who spoke on condition he would not be identified.
“By default, our political culture in Ilocandia is to always stick to an Ilocano bet in any national electoral post,” the congressman said.
“While some presidentiables have made known this early their intentions to vie for the presidency, it appears that BBM is keeping close to his chest his decision which is typical of a seasoned politician… the very reason why we are confident of his victory in this coming election,” stressed another lawmaker.