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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."

CONTEXT: Pacquiao and Ilocos Norte When he ran for senator in 2016, Manny Pacquiao ranked 8th in Ilocos Norte with around 100,000 votes.

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.

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.

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.

San Nicolas town’s mayor is Alfredo Valdez Jr., whose socioeconomic reform plans met several roadblocks under the governorship of Imee Marcos.

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.

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5:03 AM · Apr 20, 2022Twitter for iPhone

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.

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WATCH: Pacquiao is welcomed by dozens of residents in Piddig, Ilocos Norte

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LOOK: Solsona residents flock the press briefing venue to glimpse Manny Pacquiao

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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.

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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.”

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)