Imee casts vote in Laoag, echoes BBM’s call for unity
LAOAG CITY – Senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos on Monday called for unity and healing among Filipinos shortly after casting her vote at the Cabeza Elementary School in this city.
Marcos said political beliefs should be set aside at the soonest possible time so the Filipinos could unite for the common goal of national development.
Though admitting that the elections have caused division among families and friends, the senator urged everyone to respect whatever is the outcome of the polls.
While most of the members of the Marcos family joined presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in voting at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Elementary School in Barangay Valdez, Batac City early Monday, the senator arrived by herself at 9:13 a.m. at the Cabeza Elementary School in Laoag City and went straight to her voting precinct.
In an ambush interview after casting her vote, Marcos reiterated that regardless of political color, respect should always reign among Filipinos.
“Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas (Let’s love the Philippines),” Marcos said.
Since the start of the campaign period, residents here are expecting a tight race between dominant political families, including the Fariñases and Marcoses, whose members are contesting the top elective posts.
In the first district of Ilocos Norte, Bongbong’s son, Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro,” is running against reelectionist Rep. Ma. Christina “Ria” Fariñas, daughter of former Congressman Rodolfo Farinas.
After casting his vote at the Calayab Elementary School in Laoag City, Sandro wished his political opponent good luck.
“I hope na alam niya na kahit na anong pinagdadaanan namin sa politika, kahit na anong naranasan namin sa kampanyang ito, I still consider her a friend,” said the younger Marcos.
Despite accusations of massive vote-buying and political harassment of opposing parties, the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office remains on full alert as its chief, Col. Julius Suriben, hopes for “secure, accurate, free, and fair elections.” Philippine News Agency
