Political party Lakas-CMD will field businesswoman Katrina Gloria Ponce Enrile, daughter of former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, as its official congressional bet in the first district of Cagayan.
The young Enrile will attempt to regain political power in the district that was previously represented in the House of Representatives by her brother, Jack; sister-in-law, Salvacion Santiago Ponce Enrile and father.
Katrina, who handles the various business interests of their family, will face incumbent Rep. Ramon Nolasco Jr. and retired police Gen. Roberto Damian in next year’s congressional race in Cagayan’s first district.
Described by her father as a “diligent student” of politics, Katrina played major roles in the political campaigns of Sen. Enrile.
House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president, administered the oath of members for Katrina during a virtual swearing in ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 25.
She revealed her plan to seek the congressional seat as early as May, 2021.
The first congressional district consists of the municipalities of Alcala, Aparri, Baggao, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Santa Ana and Sta. Teresita.
Nolasco will be defending his seat for the first time. He was first elected congressman by running unopposed during the 2019 congressional elections.
He is the son of former Rep. Ramon Nolasco Sr. who won against former Rep. Jack Enrile in 2016. The incumbent lawmaker is currently the vice chairman of the House Committees on Banks and Financial Intermediaries and on Justice.