Thread by @rapplerdotcom

CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Presidential bet Manny Pacquiao is visiting Ilocos Norte today, braving the Marcoses’ bailiwick after a weeklong hiatus from sorties. | via @reyaika

@reyaika Bookmark and refresh for updates on Pacquiao’s visit to Ilocos Norte today. rappler.com/nation/electio…

Pacquiao has a scheduled sortie at San Nicolas Plaza late afternoon.

If this pushes through, he would be the first Marcos challenger to hold a rally at the heart of "Solid North." #PHVote #PHVotePacquiao #WeDecide | via @reyaika

@reyaika CONTEXT: Pacquiao and Ilocos Norte

When he ran for senator in 2016, Manny Pacquiao ranked 8th in Ilocos Norte with around 100,000 votes. | via @reyaika #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao

@reyaika The quest for the presidency, however, is another matter. Ilocos Norte is not a vote-rich province. It has a little over 430,000 voters, but it has been the Marcoses’ bailiwick for decades. | via @reyaika #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao

@reyaika According to the latest pre-election survey, 87% of Ilocos Region voters would pick dictator’s son Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for the presidency on May 9. | via @reyaika #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao

@reyaika Pacquiao does not have the numbers to show according to the March Pulse Asia survey. But a group of supporters was able to reserve a venue in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, for the sortie on Wednesday. | via @reyaika #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao

@reyaika San Nicolas town’s mayor is Alfredo Valdez Jr., whose socioeconomic reform plans met several roadblocks under the governorship of Imee Marcos. | via @reyaika #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao

@reyaika LOOK: Presidential bet Manny Pacquiao in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Pacquiao will visit several towns around the province before heading to his rally late afternoon. | via @reyaika #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao

@reyaika WATCH: Presidential bet Manny Pacquiao on Easter Sunday fiasco: “Wala sa usapan 'yung manira tayo ng tao [o] magsasabing mag-withdraw ka”

Pacquiao didn’t name anyone but it was Manila Mayor Isko Moreno who called on VP Robredo to withdraw from the race. | via @reyaika

@reyaika WATCH: Pacquiao is welcomed by dozens of residents in Piddig, Ilocos Norte. #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao | via @reyaika

@reyaika LOOK: Solsona residents flock the press briefing venue to glimpse Manny Pacquiao. #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao | via @reyaika

@reyaika On Moreno’s continous tirades vs Robredo, Pacquiao says he also attacks other candidates, but he says he only talks about the truth and he does not make up stories. #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao | via @reyaika

@reyaika Pacquiao says he condemns Bukidnon shooting during Ka Leody de Guzman campaign activity.

“Ako’y nakikiusap pa rin sa taumbayan na huminahon tayo. Bigyan natin ng kalayaan ang bawat isa na tumakbo, pumili.” #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao | via @reyaika

@reyaika Pacquiao thanks Ilocanos for the warm welcome, says there are cracks in “Solid North.”

“Hindi ko inexpect na ganito karami yung taong sasalubong sa akin. Nagulat nga ako dahil sa ganito karami dito sa balwarte ni Bongbong.”

📸: Team Pacquiao (Piddig, Ilocos Norte)

@reyaika LOOK: Presidential bet Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee arrive at San Nicolas Plaza, Ilocos Norte for a rally.

Pacquiao is the first Marcos challenger to hold campaign events in Ilocos Norte. #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao | via @reyaika

@reyaika Pacquiao addresses the crowd: “Bayan, ang gusto ko lang ipaglaban ang aking mga kasama kung saan ako nanggaling.” #PHVote #WeDecide #PHVotePacquiao | via @reyaika