Manila, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Behind every man’s success is a woman, so the saying goes.

In the Philippines, despite a history and culture of patriarchy, women play an influential role in politics and society — especially if their husbands become presidents. Think Imelda Romualdez Marcos.

In 2016, the Filipino people will elect a new president after 6 full years of not having someone to call their First Lady. (President NoyNoy Aquino is a bachelor). Their fascination for First Ladies is as strong as their passion for their beauty queens. It almost doesn’t matter who is running for president; Filipino presidents always end up being deposed, impeached or jailed anyway. Filipinos are more interested on who becomes their First Lady.

Many have already indicated or hinted that they are running in 2016 to become Aquino’s successor.  While polls show that Vice President Jejomar Binay is currently the front runner among the “presidentiables,” a few others have expressed confidence as strong contenders.

So let’s take a look not at the potential candidates for president but the potential First Ladies.

The Adobo Chronicles is conducting an online poll and we are asking our readers to participate in this preference survey.

1. Elena Binay, wife of the Vice President

2. Korina Sanchez, wife of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas

3. Lani Cayetano, wife of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano

4. Louise Araneta Marcos, wife of Senator Ferdinand (Bongbong) Marcos, Jr.

5. Miriam Defensor Santiago, senator. If she becomes president, she’ll also serve as First Lady, no doubt.

6. Dionisia Pacquiao, mother of Congressman and world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao.  Manny has a wife (Jinkee), but mom has already said she would like to be the First Lady.

Please vote below. Who would you like to be the next Philippine First Lady?