Imelda Marcos Running for Philippine Congress

Former first lady Imelda Marcos filed her candidacy for next year's congressional elections in the Philippines, joining the country's boxing champion and the outgoing president in the star-studded race for the lower house. Strongman Ferdinand Marcos' flamboyant 80-year-old widow, who has successfully fought off more than 900 civil and criminal cases against her and is best known for her extensive shoe collection, will run in Illocos Norte, her husband's northern stronghold, where she is popular.

Other top candidates in May balloting for Congress include Manny Pacquiao, who last month won his seventh world boxing title in as many weight classes. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, barred by the constitution from seeking a second term, will become the first Philippine president to run for a lower house seat after stepping down. (More Philippines stories.)