Map of Region I – Ilocos Region, comprising Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. Known for its historic cities, strong political dynasties, and key tourism spots like Vigan and the Hundred Islands.
REGION I – ILOCOS REGION — Comprising the northernmost provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, Region I remains one of the Philippines’ most historically and politically entrenched regions. Known for its strong political dynasties and solid regional identities, the Ilocos Region is home to influential political clans like the Marcoses, Singsons, Ortegas, and Guicos, many of whom once again secured victories in the 2025 midterm elections.
As of May 13, 2025, based on partial and unofficial results from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the region has reaffirmed its political alliances, with major players either running unopposed or gaining large margins.
Ilocos Norte: Marcos Dominance Continues
In Ilocos Norte, the Marcos family’s grip on power remains firm.
- Cecilia Marcos of the Nacionalista Party is poised to win the governorship with over 298,000 votes (68.46%), beating independent challenger Joy Butay.
- Matthew Marcos Manotoc, the outgoing governor, shifted to the vice gubernatorial race and ran unopposed, leading with 313,391 votes (71.86%).
- In Congress, Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s son, ran unopposed in the 1st District and secured a second term.
- Eugenio Angelo Barba, a Marcos ally in the 2nd District, also led comfortably in his bid for a third term.
Ilocos Sur: Singsons Maintain Stronghold
The Singson political dynasty remains dominant in Ilocos Sur.
- Governor Jerry Singson and Vice Governor Ryan Luis Singson, both of Bileg Ti Ilokano, ran unopposed.
- For the congressional seats:
- In the 1st District, Ronald Singson (NPC) faced Charles Savellano (Independent), a former congressman reinstated into the race after a Supreme Court ruling.
- In the 2nd District, Kristine Singson-Meehan (NPC) is ahead in a tight race against Roque Verzosa Jr., mayor of Tagudin.
La Union: Ortega Clan Faces Intra-Family Rivalry
The Ortegas, one of the Philippines’ oldest political families, faced internal competition.
- Incumbent Governor Raphaelle Ortega-David (NPC) sought re-election against Vice Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega (PFP) and independent Manny Fonseca.
- In the vice gubernatorial contest, Aringay Mayor Eric Sibuma (Lakas-CMD) challenged former Rep. Thomas Dumpit Jr. (NPC).
- For congressional seats:
- Paolo Ortega (Lakas-CMD) is leading in the 1st District against Joy Ortega and Ed Banzon.
- Dante Garcia (Lakas-CMD) is seeking re-election in the 2nd District, facing a challenge from former governor Francisco Ortega III and independent Joel Fontanilla.
Pangasinan: Tight Race for Province’s Top Post
As the region’s most populous province, Pangasinan saw a heated gubernatorial race.
- Incumbent Governor Ramon Guico III (Nacionalista Party) is leading with 875,030 votes (40.58%), followed closely by former governor Amado Espino III (API), who has garnered 778,477 votes (36.10%).
- For vice governor, Mark Lambino (Lakas-CMD) is ahead with 1,014,887 votes (47.07%), ahead of Noel Nacar (API).
- In the province’s six congressional districts, many incumbents and political families remain entrenched:
- 1st District: Arthur Celeste (NP) ran unopposed.
- 2nd District: Mark Cojuangco (NPC) led against Leopoldo Bataoil.
- 3rd District: Rachel Arenas (Lakas-CMD) sought another term.
- 4th District: Gina de Venecia returned to politics, replacing her son Christopher de Venecia, who is term-limited.
- 5th District: Ramon Guico Jr., father of the governor, is running for a House seat.
- 6th District: Marlyn Primicias-Agabas (Lakas-CMD) faces off with Gilbert Estrella (NPC).
A Region Shaped by Political Dynasties
Region I is often viewed as a bastion of dynastic politics in the Philippines. Its deeply rooted familial networks, patronage systems, and loyal voter bases have helped maintain decades-long control over local and national positions. While there are pockets of independent challenges, early results show that the status quo remains largely unshaken in the 2025 elections.
This is a developing story. Official results are pending final canvassing and proclamation by COMELEC.For updates, visit: www.comelec.gov.ph or local media partners.
