Manila close to her son’s heart, says Imee Marcos
By Philip Tubeza
Inquirer
Last updated 01:44am (Mla time) 10/17/2006
Published on Page A17 of the October 17, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
GUESS who else is running for mayor of Manila?
Commercial model Martin Marcos Manotoc, more popularly known as “Borgy,” is considering joining next year’s mayoral elections, his mother claimed yesterday.
Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos said her mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos—who was reportedly planning to run for mayor of the Philippine capital—has decided to give way to her 23-year-old grandson. Instead, Imelda would act as Manotoc’s campaign manager, the congresswoman added.
Imee said the former first lady was able to convince Borgy to consider running for “an elective post since he has lots to offer to the people of Manila, particularly the youth.” She added that Borgy also traces his roots to Tondo, considered as one of the capital’s depressed areas.
“Borgy comes from Tondo. His dad (sportsman Tommy Manotoc) hails from Gagalangin, Tondo, Borgy’s grandparents are from Tondo. His lineage and roots are all native residents of Manila,” Imee said.
According to the lawmaker, her son could easily win Manila’s primary voting block “which are mostly composed of young voters, plus the fact that the former first lady, being a former governor of Metro Manila, still has a strong influence and charisma among the people in depressed areas in Manila. With Borgy, it’s like having Imelda Marcos run as mayor of Manila,” Imee said.
“With my mom as Borgy’s campaign manager, he will definitely get a solid vote in Manila, particularly in Sampaloc, Pandacan, Tondo, Quiapo, Binondo, Sta. Cruz, San Miguel districts,” she added.
If he decides to run, Borgy would be the youngest mayoralty candidate in Manila’s history.
Other politicians who are reportedly eyeing the post include Senators Panfilo Lacson and Alfredo Lim, Manila Reps. Joey Hizon and Rodolfo Bacani, Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna and former Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez.
Borgy, who has modeled for several clothing companies, recently finished his studies at the City College of New York, majoring in advertising and public relations, while working part-time at an independent record label.
In a June 2004 Inquirer interview, he was described as a “sensitive, witty, young man finely attuned to the reality around him.”
In the same interview, Borgy said he was not being groomed for politics but admitted that he might later run for public office.
“I think politics has been part of the plan for my family, my mom included. So I can’t say I’m not gonna do it. But in the next five years, definitely not. Maybe in 10 years. But I don’t really think about it just yet. Not a conscious direction that I’m going,” he added.
