Senator Manny Pacquiao | PHOTO: Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s facebook page
MANILA, Philippines—“The North is not solid for Bongbong Marcos.”
Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who is running for president, gave this assessment on Wednesday (April 20) after bringing his campaign to the so-called “Solid North” base of the Marcoses—Ilocos Norte province.
Pacquiao was met by swarms of people during his motorcades across the province. He was the first presidential candidate to visit Ilocos Norte, which has more than 400,000 voters.
“I’m glad and very happy with the warm welcome from people from the North,” said Pacquiao, a boxing legend prior to his foray into politics. “This confirms that the North is not solid for Bongbong Marcos,” he said in Filipino.
He said he was surprised that throngs of people welcomed him to the province. The warm welcome, Pacquiao said, was an indication of a big chunk of the province’s votes likely going to him.
“I did not expect that they would welcome me here and I was surprised that many people came out to see me because this is the bailiwick of Bongbong Marcos,” said Pacquiao.
“I expect to get a huge share of the vote here in Norte,” he said.
Pacquiao was expected to hold a grand rally in the province on Wednesday (April 20) in the evening.