Ortegas battle for La Union posts

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Philippines — La Union Vice Gov. Mario Ortega will challenge his granddaughter, reelectionist Gov. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, in the 2025 midterm elections.

David’s aunt, provincial board member Joy Ortega, will run for a seat in congress against her cousin, Rep. Paolo Ortega of the province’s first district.

Joy’s brother, Vice Mayor Manuel Ortega, will challenge their aunt, Councilor Mariquita Padua-Ortega, for mayor in San Juan town.

David is a daughter of former governor Pacoy Ortega, who filed his certificate of candidacy for the congressional post in the second district.

Pacoy, Manuel and Joy are children of former governor Manoling Ortega, who is elder brother to Mario and former congressman Pablo Ortega, father of Paolo and husband of Mariquita.

“Although we have political disagreements, our relation as a family is not affected. It is our desire to serve the people,” Mario said in a press conference yesterday.

“I have high respect for my uncles. I love them all. I will deliver what I can do and Paolo will also do his own. We have no (family) problems. Let the people decide,” Joy said in a separate press conference, referring to Mario and Pablo.

Joy said the family had talked with Paolo about the matter and they agreed not to resort to negative campaigning.

Joy’s younger brother, San Fernando City Vice Mayor Alfred Ortega, is running for mayor while her uncle Pablo seeks the vice mayor’s post.