Igorot Vote?

Is there such a thing as an "Igorot vote" here in Baguio City?
If there is, who among our local candidates (particulary those seeking a seat in Congress) could benefit from it?

Three weeks ago, I met a group of friends, including a female friend who works as an accountant in the US. She was a youth leader in her barangay when she was still here and she has maintained close contact with young leaders in her community. Our talk shifted to politics and she asked us who is our candidate for representative in Congress. Two said they're going for Atty. Joe Molintas while one was pro-Congressman Mauricio Domogan.

"Domogan's camp fears that the Igorot vote will be divided into two," our friend shared, citing her sources. And if that's the case, it might prove to be a close fight between him and Molintas, she explained. We ended our evening on a lighter topic but the concept of an "Igorot vote" stayed with me for weeks.

A few points before anything:

1. "Igorot" is a generic term which refers to the people from the Cordillera region.

2. Baguio is now a city of migrants, with lowlanders outnumbering Igorots. Ibalois are the original inhabitants of Benguet, of which Baguio City used to be part before it became a city.

3. This is the first time that Congressman Domogan, who is proud of his Igorot roots, will face another Igorot as a contender for a seat in Congress. Although Domogan comes from Quirino, Ilocos Sur, he traces his roots in Mountain Province. Molintas is an Ibaloi from Benguet.

Here are some questions which can only be answered this coming Monday:

1. Will Igorots vote based on their ethnic affiliations or will they go beyond it come election day?

2. Will Ibalois support Molintas? Will Domogan continue to be supported by his kailians from Mountain Province?

3. Who will deliver the votes for either of these two candidates? How close will the fight for the congressional seat be?

May the best candidate win this Monday:-)