Ilocanos welcome Miriam, Bongbong in Marcos bailiwick

BATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte - For the first time since they announced their tandem, presidential aspirant Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and running mate Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. shared the stage as they started their campaign Tuesday in this Batac City, hometown of the late strongman President Ferdinand Marcos.

The two were greeted by hundreds of supporters who patiently waited along the streets from Laoag City to Batac as early as 6 a.m. 

The kick-off campaign started  at 11 a.m. where Santiago delivered a short speech saying that it is not yet the right place and time for her to explain her agenda for government.

She, however, said that one of her agenda is to reform the country’s political system which she described as a failure.

“Nakita natin na ang systema ngayon ay hindi umuobra, hindi  nakakapagbigay ng empleyo sa ating mga kababayan,” Santiago said.

She also explained why she has chosen to start her campaign in Ilocos Norte.

“I came here because I've always admired the Ilocanos and to signify my wholehearted support for Bongbong Marcos as the next vice president,” Santiago said. 

She also joked that if she will be elected president and something happens to her, she would want someone young and idealistic to “take over the reigns of government.”

Santiago also promised to prosecute those who are involved in the pork barrel scam once elected president.

Meanwhile, Marcos once again said that the “Solid North” unity will be a key factor in his bid for the vice presidency.

"Sa Ilocandia ang mga Ilocano maipag mamalaki parin, na tayo ay tinatawag na Solid North," he said.

Marcos said his advocacy is to bring back unity among Filipinos.

“'Yan po ay aking sisimulan na isang kilusan na pagkakaisa ng buong Pilipinas, nang maramdaman ulit natin at masasabi ulit natin na tayo ay isang bansa, tayo ay may isang diwa, tayo ay may isang gawa," he said.

After the kick-off rally, Santiago and Marcos went to the Mariano Marcos State University to attend a forum with students.

They were joined Gov. Imee Marcos, Rep. Imelda Marcos, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, who also runs for senator, and other provincial officials.

After the forum, Marcos went to Ilocos Sur to continue his campaign while Santiago went back to Manila.