By Genalyn D. Kabiling
Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos could easily win a seat in the 2019 senatorial elections due to her track record in public service, a Malacañang official said.
“Ang feeling ko naman sure bet naman si Gov. Imee para sa Senado,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.
Roque praised the eldest daughter of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos not only for her humility and good sense of humor but also competence in governance.
He said Ilocos Norte has become progressive under the leadership of Marcos, citing her efforts promoting renewable energy and tourism development.
“Napakatagal nang nawala ang kaniyang ama, mahigit 30 anyos na at dahil nga nangyari ay napaalis sila ng Pilipinas.
Isipin mo na magkakaroon ang kakulangan nag Ilocos, pero napaka-progresibo ng Ilocos,” he said.
“Diyan nagsimula iyong mga windmill as an alternative source of energy. Diyan iyong napauso iyong mga cruise liners na naging dahilan kung bakit napakataas ng tourist arrivals sa Ilocos,” he added.
Roque said that it was the lady governor who first offered free rides to tourists between airports and hotels in her home province.
“Talagang napakalaking tulong iyan para sa turismo at alam naman natin na kapag malakas ang turismo nakikinabang sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng hanap-buhay ang napakaraming mga Ilokano,” he added.
Marcos recently announced she might run for senator next year after her brother, former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., was not ready to abandon his poll protest against Vice President Leni Robredo.