MANILA - A divided family has unraveled in Ilocos Norte as two members of the powerful Marcos clan have pitted themselves against each other for the gubernatorial post in the May 2010 elections,

Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael Marcos Keon filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) through his lawyer on Monday to seek a second term.

On Tuesday however, former Ilocos Norte 2nd district Rep. Imee Marcos, also through a lawyer, filed her COC for governor of the province.

Imee has been largely absent from politics since she left her congressional seat in favor of his brother, incumbent Ilocos Norte 2nd district Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.. Her lawyer, Atty. Joel Garcia, said, however, that she still wants to serve the province.

The former congresswoman reportedly decided to seek the post after Keon supported Lakas-Kampi CMD standard bearer Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in the Philippines’ presidential race.

Teodoro’s rival however is Nacionalista Party’s bet Sen. Manuel Villar II with whom Imee’s brother has formed an alliance through Kiludang Bagong Lipunan party.

Marcos Jr. is a guest candidate under the NP's senatorial slate.

Keon’s camp, meanwhile, was silent on the issue of his cousin Imee running against him.

They said, however, that they are confident of gaining another term as the machinery and allies of Lakas-Kampi CMD in the province are strong.

Meanwhile, the congressional seat of the 2nd district that is set to be vacated by Marcos Jr. would reportedly be tried to be filled up by former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, her mother and widow of late strongman Ferdinand Marcos. She has yet to file her COC however, as of posting. From a report of Monet Soriano, ABS-CBN News