'Manila is the seat of power ... Many are also inclined to believe that Imee may be able to transform Manila back to its “old glorious form” and resolve many other unattended concerns with the city’s hefty resources.'
WHOEVER controls the country’s capital enjoys the same level and leverage of resources, power and popularity accorded to a President.
It is for this reason that prominent personalities considered the City of Manila as the second best option after falling short of notching a seat on the national level – just like what former President Joseph Estrada did when he ran and won in the mayoralty race in 2013.
Taking cue on the theory embarking on history as constantly repeating itself, presidential sister and incumbent Senator Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” Romualdez Marcos is reportedly bent on taking over Manila in time for the 2025 mayoralty race against an equally formidable opponent – sitting Mayor Honey Lacuna.
Interestingly, Lacuna is only in her first term while Imee may opt to run for another term as senator along with reelectionist senators Bong Go, Pia Cayetano, Ronald dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino, Bong Revilla, and Lito Lapid.
Imee as Governor
While the latest survey commissioned and administered by data research firm Tangere, had the presidential sister in fourth place, Imee seemed more inclined on an executive position she held for nine long years as Ilocos Norte governor.
A recipient of the prestigious Medal of Distinction for significant achievements in public service from the Golden Globe Annual Awards Council, the presidential sister was cited for the development of Ilocos Norte during her nine years of service as provincial chief executive.
Her administration set off a battle against complacency in Ilocos Norte, intensifying livelihood and educational opportunities for Ilocano productivity and inclusive growth.
Through an aggressive employment campaign, then Gov. Imee generated over 50,000 jobs effectively reducing provincial unemployment to just 4.2 percent and poverty incidence rate at 15 percent.
An intense tourism campaign also sparked a 684.06 percent increase in day visitors from 2012 to 2016. At the end of her term, Imee left the province with 12 percent year-on-year exponential growth.
Her stint as Ilocos Norte governor also earned her three other Most Outstanding Governor distinctions from no less than the Superbrands Marketing and the Department of Interior and Local Government.
Why Manila City?
Aside from being familiar with the role of a local chief executive, Imee’s supposed plan to conquer the City of Manila is an offshoot of what appears to be a strained relationship with her brother’s wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
For one, Manila is the seat of power. Its proximity to Malacañang Palace would give her the leverage to take part in high-profile events which include Philippine-hosted international summits, global conferences, foreign leaders’ state visits, and national historic activities usually held at the Luneta Park in the heart of the city.
Many are also inclined to believe that Imee may be able to transform Manila back to its “old glorious form” and resolve many other unattended concerns with the city’s hefty resources.
For the current year, the Manila City government is operating on a P22.2-billion budget, which could shoot up to P30 billion by the time she becomes the mayor – provided she wins over the incumbent Mayor Lacuna.
Interestingly, Imee was only able to muster 342,064 votes which landed her on the 7th place during the 2019 senatorial election.
Brother’s Popularity
With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. still enjoying high popularity rating on his second year as Palace chief executive, Imee appears more confident about winning the mayoralty race instead of eyeing reelection, given that the Senate presidency is reportedly still out of her reach regardless of the most recent political surveys which had her leading potential candidates.
Among other considerations which could prod Imee to push through with the supposed plan to run for Manila City Mayor was the results of last year’s presidential election where her brother won over former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno right in his own turf.
In 2017, Imee made an announcement which hinted at the family’s intent to rule the City of Manila. In a news which came out in a Manila-based major newspaper, the senator was quoted as saying that her mother – former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos set aside plans to take a crack at the highest elective post in the city and allow Borgy (Imee’s son) to run instead.
In a statement, Imee said her mother has convinced Borgy to seek the post of outgoing Mayor Lito Atienza "since he has lots to offer to the people of Manila, particularly the youth."
Imee’s former husband, sportsman Tommy Manotoc, hails from Gagalangin, Tondo.
Compelling Precedents
Imee is highly-regarded as a seasoned politician whose political career dates back in 1975 after being appointed by his late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. as national chairperson of the Kabataang Barangay (now referred to as Sangguniang Kabataan). She held the position until1986.
Imee also represented the province’s second district in the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007 and Ilocos Norte governor for three consecutive terms from 2010 until she ran and won a senate seat in 2019.
In eyeing the Manila mayoralty post, Imee must have been banking on the successful attempts of the national personalities which included the late Alfredo Lim (who stepped down from his position as National Bureau of Investigation Director to run for mayor in Manila), former President Joseph Estrada who won as Manila mayor in 2016, and Isko Moreno three years after a losing senatorial bid.
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