Marcos-backed bet triumphs over a Marcos in Laoag mayoral race

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte - Laoag councilor James Bryan Alcid was proclaimed the new mayor of the city late Monday night, defeating incumbent Mayor Michael Marcos Keon in a closely watched local race that saw members of the Marcos family supporting opposing candidates.

The Laoag City Board of Canvassers declared Alcid the winner after he garnered 36,365 votes from all 116 clustered precincts in the city. Marcos’ loss ends his two-term stint as mayor.

Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos and Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc, both relatives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., were present during the proclamation to show their support for Alcid.

The president himself had earlier endorsed Alcid’s candidacy over his own cousin.

“As your president and fellow Ilocano, I promise together with the national government but we need leaders who are open-minded and willing to cooperate, because to be honest, we haven’t seen that in the past years,” said Marcos in a campaign video message.

As he assumed office, Alcid vowed to improve healthcare services, resolve issues at the Laoag Public Market, and prioritize waste management in the city.

Meanwhile, reelectionist Vice Mayor Carlos Fariñas also secured another term, winning with 40,387 votes.

In a previous interview with NewsWatch Plus, Marcos expressed disappointment over what he described as massive vote buying during the campaign.

He also addressed the falling out between him and his relatives from the Marcos side.

“At one point, BBM and I were very close. I was even very close to Matthew, and to the First Lady, Lisa. But over time, things have broken down,” he said.

Despite the political rift, Marcos said he harbors no ill will and hopes to reconcile.

“They are not my enemies — they are my relatives. I just wanted to finish my last term. Why they did all this to stop me is sad,” he added.