Michael Marcos Keon
Michael Edward Marcos Keon (born September 22, 1954) is a Filipino politician. Keon is the son of Australian journalist Michael James Keon and Elizabeth E. Marcos-Keon, governor of Ilocos Norte from 1971 to 1983 and the nephew of former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos.
Michael Marcos Keon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mayor of Laoag | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2019 | |
| Vice mayor | Vicentito M. Lazo (2019–2022) Rey Carlos M. Fariñas (2022–present) |
| Preceded by | Chevylle V. Fariñas |
| Governor of Ilocos Norte | |
| In office June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Bongbong Marcos |
| Succeeded by | Imee Marcos |
| 4th President of the Philippine Olympic Committee | |
| In office 1981–1984 | |
| Preceded by | Julian Malonso (provisional) |
| Succeeded by | Jose Sering |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Michael Edward Marcos Keon September 22, 1954 |
| Political party | Independent (2021–present) Nacionalista (2018–2021) Lakas–Kampi–CMD (2008–2010) Lakas–CMD (before 2008) |
| Parent(s) | Michael Keon Sr. Elizabeth Marcos-Keon |
| Alma mater | University of the Philippines Diliman (BA) |
| Known for | First Executive Director of Project Gintong Alay (1979–1986) |
His mother, the first female vice-governor and governor of Ilocos Norte, was the sister of former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos.[1] His father worked for the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and had a hand in setting up the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna. His father also joined the historic 10,000-km. "Long March" with Mao Zedong during the Chinese Revolution, covering the monumental event for the Chicago Daily Tribune.
Before entering politics, Keon worked in the sports sector as director of the Gintong Alay program. This project was launched on October 31, 1979 and was intended to ensure the success of Philippine sports to promote and ultimately to achieve gold medals in international events.[2]
Political career
He served as provincial governor of Ilocos Norte from 2007-2010. He was preceded by cousin, Bongbong Marcos and was succeeded by Imee Marcos.
He initially planned to run as mayor of Laoag for 2013 elections but withdrew after Bongbong Marcos convinced him to withdraw his candidacy in favor of then-ABC President Chevylle V. Fariñas, wife of the then-outgoing Mayor Michael V. Fariñas.
In 2018, Keon was appointed by Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos as Laoag City Councilor to fill in a vacant position in the Laoag City Council.[1]
In 2019 elections, he again ran for the same position; this time with the support of the Marcos clan. He defeated the incumbent mayor Chevylle Fariñas. His victory signaled the end of decades-old rule of the Fariñas clan in the city.
References
- "Laoag City - the City Mayor".
- Michael Keon: From sports to politics, Manila Standard Today, May 19, 2007.