Imelda Marcos registers to run for Philippines congress

Imelda Marcos served in congress from 1995-98

The former first lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos, has registered as a candidate for congress in next year's elections.

The 80-year-old widow of former President Ferdinand Marcos will run in the northern Illocos Norte constituency, a Marcos stronghold.

President Gloria Arroyo, who steps down next year, has already registered to run for a seat in congress.

Also running is seven-times world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.

This will be his second attempt to gain political office. He was defeated in the congressional election of 2007.

Family ties

Mrs Arroyo will be the first president of the Philippines to run for a seat in the lower house of parliament after stepping down.

She is constitutionally barred from seeking another term as president.

Mrs Arroyo is the most unpopular president since Ferdinand Marcos, who was ousted by a popular uprising in 1986 after 20 years in power.

The Marcos family went into exile in the US but Mrs Marcos returned in 1991 and served in congress from 1995 to 1998.

Despite the ouster of Ferdinand Marcos, the family remains popular in Illocos Norte. Mrs Marcos will attempt to replace her son Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos Jr, who is running for the senate.

Her daughter Imee is running to be governor of Illocos Norte.

About 17,000 positions are up for grabs in next May's local, provincial and national elections. Some 45 million Filipinos are eligible to vote.