Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson has openly declared that the once-vaunted “Solid North” — the unwavering support base of the Marcos family in Northern Luzon — no longer exists.
During a news briefing at Club Filipino in San Juan on September 19, 2025, Singson said voters in the North have grown disillusioned. “Wala nang Solid North dahil nakikita nilang, ilang dekada na silang Presidente?” he said.
He compared Ilocos Sur, his bailiwick, with Ilocos Norte, the Marcos stronghold, claiming his province has surged economically while Ilocos Norte continues to lag behind. “Bakit ang Ilocos Sur, from the poorest to the 5th richest in the country? Bakit ang Ilocos Norte nasa ilalim pa rin,” Singson remarked.
He further warned that money politics no longer guarantees votes. “Ang tao matatalino, kahit na bayaran mo, hindi ka na nila iboboto,” he stressed.
Singson also criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directly, calling him a liar and saying he can no longer be trusted. He cited the President’s statements on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte as an example.
He went as far as urging Marcos to resign before the Philippines experiences political unrest similar to Nepal and Indonesia, where protesters stormed politicians’ homes.
Singson reiterated his call for an investigation into anomalous flood control projects in Region 1, particularly in Ilocos Norte. He insisted it is impossible that Marcos was unaware of projects involving contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, whose companies reportedly bagged multi-billion peso contracts in the province.
“After the election, may Alzheimer’s na si Bongbong, hindi na ako kilala,” Singson previously said in July, adding that this might be the last time he and his allies would support the Marcoses.
At present, members of the Marcos clan continue to dominate Ilocos Norte politics, holding congressional and gubernatorial posts. But Singson’s remarks suggest that the once-unshakeable “Solid North” is fracturing.
