Alcala, Cagayan shows warm support for Robredo

ECHAGUE, Isabela —Inside the so-called Marcos country in Cagayan province, one town has never forgotten the Marcoses—not because of their benevolence or power, but because they were neglected during their time of need.

Former Cagayan Gov. Alvaro Antonio, whose family is one of the political families of the north, remembers it well: How he personally campaigned for the late dictator’s son and namesake Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the 2010 senatorial elections and delivered the town of Alcala for him.

Now, in 2022, he and his daughter Alcala Mayor Cristina Antonio are endorsing presidential aspirant and Vice President Leni Robredo, who came through for them when Typhoon “Ulysses” lashed them in 2020.

In endorsing her, Antonio said they wanted to bet on the candidate “who has done something and showed love for our province, over someone who has done nothing for us even though he says he is Ilocano.”

They had hosted Robredo and her running mate Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s sorties in Alcala, one of the few Cagayanon towns that have stood against the son of the late dictator who put them on the map.

In an impassioned endorsement speech delivered in Ilocano, the older Antonio recalled how, in 2011, a typhoon lashed their province while he was still governor.

He recalled how Marcos “never once faced him, and simply asked that I leave behind the resolution (for aid) that I brought.”

“I am not trying to besmirch anyone,” he told the people. “I am telling you the truth. I approached him twice to ask for help for our province. He gave not a single penny. None.”

In contrast, when Alcala went underwater after Typhoon Ulysses, Robredo—who had lost their vote in the 2016 vice presidential elections—was the first government official to arrive on the scene and help the Cagayanons.

“So now we are betting on someone who has helped us,” Antonio said, as the crowd cheered.

/MUF