Fariñas to run for Ilocos Norte governor vs Marcos grandson

MANILA - Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas said Friday he would run for governor in his home province.

Fariñas said he would serve as substitude candidate for Jesus Arimboyutan and would run under the PDP-Laban political party.

The 67-year-old lawmaker will battle it out against Ilocos Norte board member Matthew Marcos Manotoc, grandson of former first lady and Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Marcos.

Manotoc, who was running for vice governor, will substitute her grandmother after the latter withdrew her bid for governor in the family's long-time bailiwick following her graft conviction. 

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Manotoc is the son of incumbent Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, who is seeking a senate seat. 

Fariñas was known to have initiated last year a legislative investigation into the Ilocos Norte capitol's acquisition of vehicles without public bidding under the incumbent. 

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- report from RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News