Rudy Fariñas to challenge Matthew Manotoc for Ilocos Norte governor

Former House Majority Leader Rodolfo "Rudy" Fariñas came out of retirement to challenge Matthew Marcos Manotoc for Ilocos Norte governor.

According to the Ilocos Norte Public Information Office, Fariñas filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor via substitution.

Fariñas will run under Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma after replacing Juner Ner Jacinto.

Marcos Manotoc, son of Senator Imee Marcos, filed his COC for reelection as Ilocos Norte governor in October. He ran in 2019 when Fariñas withdrew his candidacy.

Meanwhile, Fariñas' daughter, incumbent Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ria Fariñas, filed her candidacy for reelection.

Ria is seeking a second term under PDP-Laban, challenging former senator Bongbong Marcos' son Sandro.

The governor, vice governor, Laoag City mayor, and Ilocos Norte 2nd district representative come from the Marcoses.

The Fariñas family used to rule the province with the elder Farinas having served both as governor and district representative.—LDF, GMA News